After receiving home care, Philadelphia seniors can live with arthritis easier when their homes are set up accordingly. Use the tips below to make living at home more convenient and comfortable for your senior loved one.
Increase Accessibility
Reorganize your loved one’s home to make things easier for him or her to reach. Keep the items your loved one uses on a regular basis on one level and as close to the countertops as possible. This includes bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen items such as the remote control, towels, and eating utensils. If these items are easily accessible, your loved one will not have to constantly strain, stretch, or bend his or her joints.
Give the Bathroom a Makeover
Your loved one living with arthritis may have a hard time with self-care, which is why your bathroom should be customized to his or her specific needs. For more comfort, install grab rails and a handheld showerhead for your loved one. Be sure to raise the toilet seats in the bathroom to make his or her experience more comfortable and to prevent slipping.
Get Better Lighting
Having bright lights throughout the home could help prevent your loved one from falling. Place nightlights around the house to keep him or her from tripping when going to the bathroom, kitchen, hallways, or any other room. Touch lamps can help seniors with limited dexterity turn a light switch on and off.
Purchase Lighter Cookware
Your loved one may want to prepare his or her own meals from time to time, which is why you should make this task easier to do. Purchasing lighter cookware for your loved one to use can make the cooking experience more comfortable. Instead of using cast iron skillets or enamel pans, buy lighter pots and pans that are easier for your loved one to lift.
You can also make living at home with arthritis easier for your loved one by hiring an in-home caregiver. At Home Care Assistance, our caregivers can assist with bathing, cooking, mobility, and much more. We also offer specialized Parkinson’s, stroke, and Alzheimer’s care Philadelphia seniors can rely on. For more information on how our senior care services can make your loved one’s life safer and more comfortable, call a Care Manager at (215) 645-4663 to schedule a complimentary in-home consultation.