The kind of accommodation that people require keeps changing as they grow old and this poses a very big challenge. Adapting your home is an important process to optimize safety and comfort as well as to prevent complicities. Now below is a step by step guide which will assist you in bringing some order to help make the environment safe for the seniors:
Assessing Your Home
In order to embark on home improvement, you should begin by evaluating your house. List possible risks and places that might pose risks to the original structures. Pay close attention to the following:Pay close attention to the following:
- Entrances and Exits: Make sure they can be seen easily and they are labeled or contain lights.
- Hallways and Doorways: May need to widen, for example in cases where mobility aids may be needed by some users of the public transport system.
- Staircases: Provide handrails on both sides of the main staircase and, if required, introduce a functioning lift installed on the staircases.
Modifying Key Areas
Bathroom Safety
Bathrooms pose a significant threat to the elderly especially for those living alone. Implement these changes to enhance safety:Implement these changes to enhance safety:
- Grab Bars: Fixed grab bars where possible by the toilet, in the shower or near the tub.
- Non-Slip Mats: Ensure there are mats within the shower and tub enclosure and on the bathroom floor surfaces.
- Shower Chairs: Ensure that you offer a shower chair that can easily stay strong in the course of showering.
- Raised Toilet Seats: Potential modifications include using grab bars, installing a shower seat or bench, using a shower chair, using raised toilet seats , acquiring a showering aid, and having an adequate supply of safe mats.
For more bathroom safety tips, visit the National Institute on Aging.
Kitchen Safety
There are many dangers in the kitchen, and here are some of them. Make these adjustments to minimize hazards:Make these adjustments to minimize hazards:
- Easy-to-Reach Storage: In case of possible stepping, always organize your items in a way that eliminates the need for frequently accessed items to be reached by use of step stools.
- Stove Safety: Require the usage of stove knob covers and automatic shut off devices in cases of scenarios like this.
- Lighting: Ensure the kitchen is well-lit to avoid mishaps while cooking.
Check out more kitchen safety tips at AgingCare.
Bedroom Safety
A safe and comfortable bedroom is essential for restful sleep:
- Bed Height: You can move it up or down to match the user’s convenience when getting into bed and when making adjustments.
- Nightlights: Switch on a nightlight to guide you through the dark to the lavatory.
- Clear Pathways: Eliminate physical obstacles that may likely be a cause of tripping or falling such as scattered items on the floor.
Living Room Safety
The living room is where seniors spend a lot of time. Enhance its safety with these tips:
- Furniture Arrangement: Arrange furniture to allow easy movement and avoid sharp corners.
- Rugs and Carpets: Secure rugs and carpets with non-slip backing to prevent slips.
- Emergency Devices: Keep emergency devices like phones or medical alert systems within reach.
General Home Modifications
In addition to room-specific changes, consider these general modifications:
- Lighting: There has to be enough light in many areas of the home such as stairs, corridors etc.
- Flooring: Choose safe flooring types and avoid using obstructive rugs in your normal operations.
- Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: To improve security it is necessary to install and often monitor these detectors.
For a comprehensive guide on home modifications, visit SeniorLiving.org.
Technological Aids
Technology can significantly improve home safety for seniors:
- Medical Alert Systems: Smart watches and other wearable technologies that have a panic button to alert people in case of an emergency.
- Smart Home Devices: Smart home devices such as smart lamps, smart temperature controls, smart security.
- Medication Reminders: Medication tracking/reminder apps, wearables, and other tools that assist with medication taking/timing.
Explore more about technological aids at Tech-enhanced Life.
Conclusion
The general idea of keeping up a home that is senior-friendly is a continuous process. This should from time to time be checked and modified based on the circumstances to provide for a safe environment and pleasant ambiance. By following these steps, elders would also be able to live their desired way in their sunset years without much worry or hindrance.
