How to Make a Home Safer for a Senior Aging in Place
Families can help senior loved ones enjoy life at home by making adjustments to create a safer environment. By removing hazards and utilizing adult in-home care services, they can lead an active, comfortable lifestyle on their own. The following tips offer ways to make homes safer for seniors aging in place.
3 Steps to Make Homes Safer for Seniors
1. Keep Emergency Numbers on Hand
Ensure your loved one has a cell phone, so they can call emergency contacts if necessary. Teach them how to call or send texts if they don't already know and consider a basic model if more complex smartphones seem overwhelming. You can equip the phone to be more accessible with a larger font and set up a “call display” feature.
Post a list of emergency numbers in an area such as the kitchen in case your loved one forgets. This can include 911, Poison Control, close family and friends, neighbors, adult in-home care contact, and healthcare provider.
2. Remove Fall Risks
Lower the risk of falling by creating a fall-proof home. For instance, remove throw rugs and declutter the home from wires, shoes, and other loose items. The goal is to create an open space to allow easy mobility, especially if your senior uses a wheelchair or walker.
It’s also important to make the bathroom more accessible and fall-safe by placing a shower mat in the tub and installing a handlebar and seat in the shower. A raised toilet seat with handlebars reduces the chances of falling by providing stability when getting up and down.
3. Examine Lighting
Seniors may experience reduced visibility, making it more challenging to carry out tasks without proper lighting. Assess the light bulbs throughout the house and determine if brighter bulbs or new fixtures are necessary. Motion-detected lighting inside and outside the home can be helpful, especially at night. Nightlights are particularly helpful in the bathroom.
If you need trustworthy adult in-home care for an elderly or physically disabled loved one, turn to Harmony In-Home Healthcare Inc. in St. Louis, MO. This locally owned and operated home care company assists senior citizens and individuals over 18 with physical disabilities. Their staff prepares meals, does laundry, shops, and provides light housekeeping. These caregivers also provide companionship to your loved ones, enabling them to enjoy the privacy and comfort of their homes. Visit their website for a complete list of in-home and consumer-directed services, or call (314) 752-4444 to schedule a consultation.
