It is important to prioritize your parents’ comfort and safety if they are living independently in their later years or if you are caring for an elderly guest in your home. Because it is common knowledge that elderly people are frail and susceptible to injury, it is important to keep in mind that even the most innocuous aspects of your home’s architecture, such as doorways and hallways, could prove to be extremely hazardous for elderly residents. You are in luck because you do not need to buy a new house solely so that you can make room for an elderly loved one; rather, you can make certain adjustments to your existing house so that it is more suitable for seniors.
Clear The Way Of Obstructions
Items that are left lying around on the floor pose a risk of tripping and falling for everyone, but the elderly are particularly at risk from these hazards. Make sure that things like toys, containers for dirty laundry, shoes, furniture, potted plants, and cleaning supplies are stored away from pathways and areas with insufficient lighting.
Hire A Caregiver
Although this is not technically a tip for modifying a home, given how important it is in making a house more accessible for seniors. Several responsibilities, including ensuring the clients’ safety and contentment, fall under the purview of professional caregivers. Your elderly parents may not feel the need to move around the house as much if they are accompanied by a caregiver; however, if they do, there will be someone there to assist them if they experience any difficulties. To ensure the highest level of security and dependability, you must acquire the services of a reputable company for in-home care.
Make It Easier For People To Access The Bathroom
Although the bathroom may have been built with your protection in mind, it is still a fairly hazardous space for people of advanced age. During the process of modifying it, make sure that getting into the shower won’t require you to step over the edge of the bathtub. To further assist your elderly loved one in rising from the toilet, a sturdy grab bar should be installed. It is important to keep in mind that the bathroom is the location of the majority of slip-and-fall accidents; therefore, you should consider replacing the flooring with something that is less slippery.
Enhance The Lighting
Every single one of the house’s walkways needs to be well-lit and free of any dark spots to make it simple to get around inside. When there is sufficient lighting in a room and along the pathways leading to different rooms, especially the bathroom, you can walk with increased confidence, and it is easier to perceive any potential hazards. Consider installing lighting not only in the rooms but also in outdoor areas such as the driveway and the garage, as well as in the entryways and the hallways.
Put In Place Precautionary Measures
Carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are essential for any home, but elderly residents require even more protection than that. Wheelchair users and people who are extremely frail may require personal fall detection technology. Install a switch for your alarm system in the room where your loved one sleeps as well as a few other places that are convenient to reach.
Widen Your Doorways
It is necessary to adapt your home to accommodate mobility aids such as a wheelchair or walker if an elderly person in your household uses one of these devices. Begin by expanding your doorways and removing any staircases that aren’t necessary. If you want to protect your elderly relative from injuries and the need to overexert themselves simply to move in and out of the house, this is an essential step that may require you to seek the assistance of a professional.
Conclusion
If you want to ensure that your elderly loved one is as comfortable as possible in their own home, you will need to make some modifications, regardless of the expense or level of difficulty involved. If you are looking for a good place to begin, you can certainly look further for comfort tips for the elderly.
