More seniors are expressing the desire to remain in the comfort of their own homes as they grow older. Although there are numerous benefits to being able to stay in familiar surroundings, how safe is your senior loved one’s home? Hazards can lurk in many places, and simple activities that were once easy to complete may threaten your loved one’s safety. However, knowing what to look for will help you create a senior-friendly environment your loved one can enjoy during his or her golden years.
1. Modify the Bathroom
The bathroom is one of the most frequently used rooms in the home, and it can also be one of the most dangerous. Wet floors pose a threat of slipping, and navigating the tub area can lead to a fall if proper safety devices aren’t in place. Install grab bars and use nonskid floor mats to decrease the chances of an accident or fall. You may also want to consider widening the doorway, adding a walk-in bathtub, and increasing the height of the toilet if mobility issues are a concern.
Hiring a professional caregiver is one of the best ways to enhance your parent’s safety at home. Certain age-related conditions can make it more challenging for seniors to age in place safely and comfortably, but Philadelphia live-in care experts are available around the clock to help seniors manage their health. Whether your loved one is living with dementia or recovering from a stroke, you can trust the professional live-in caregivers from Home Care Assistance to enhance his or her quality of life.
2. Evaluate & Reorganize the Kitchen
While your loved one may have been able to use the kitchen safely for decades, changes in his or her mobility, balance, and vision could make meal preparation dangerous. Tie up any loose appliance cords to reduce fall risk, and move regularly used items such as dishes and glasses to lower shelves so they’re easy to reach. Make sure all smoke detectors are in good working condition, and if there isn’t one present already, purchase a timer to help your loved one keep track of how long things are cooking on the stove or in the oven.
Some seniors require assistance with daily tasks such as cooking healthy meals. Although it may be challenging to find reliable, highly rated homecare, you can turn to Home Care Assistance. Our respite and live-in caregivers are expertly trained to assist seniors with a wide array of important tasks, including cooking, bathing, light housekeeping, and exercise.
3. Install New Light Bulbs
Go through each room in the home and make sure every light has a working light bulb. There are many light bulbs and LED lighting options on the market today that have the ability to brightly illuminate large rooms while also being extremely energy efficient. Also consider putting in motion-activated lights or night lights in narrow hallways, stairwells, and other places where it’s difficult to see. This will ensure your loved one is able to navigate throughout the home at any time of day.
4. Remove Rugs
While hallway runners and area rugs can offer a nice decorative touch, they can be dangerous for aging adults, especially those who require the use of mobility aids such as walkers and canes. If possible, remove all rugs from the home or secure the rugs safely to the floor to reduce potential trip hazards.
5. Don’t Forget the Outdoors
There are safety risks not only inside the home but outside as well. Sufficient outdoor lighting, especially around the porch and driveway, is important. This is particularly true because many seniors experience problems with night vision. Check for rough or uneven edges on walkways that could threaten stability.
Many seniors prefer aging in place over moving to assisted living facilities. If your senior loved one needs assistance to remain safe and comfortable while living at home, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading Philadelphia senior home care agency. Our dedicated in-home caregivers can assist with meal prep, bathing and grooming, exercise, medication reminders, and many other important tasks. To talk to one of our friendly Care Managers and create a customized senior care plan, call us at (215) 645-4663.