When your loved ones are in their senior years, and especially if they have medical conditions which would need the maintenance of a treatment or therapy plan, you may immediately decide on placing them in a nursing home or shared residential facility. Your beloved elderly, however, may prefer to stay in their homes, with help from in-home care providers, and retain their independence and the freedom to pursue their individual interests and preferred day-to-day activities.
You may be worried about allowing your elderly loved ones to live on their own, because of the potential accidents and mishaps that would result in injury or something worse. A lot of accidents, however, are caused by architecture and things in and around the home—most of which can be prevented.
The following are tips in making a house safer and more suitable for your elderly loved ones:
- Safe and Accessible Entrances and Exits
Steps and stairs are one of the main causes of fall-based accidents and mishaps, so avoid having any sort of inclination in the house, especially in entrances and exits. If the house was already made with steps, install or pave a ramp that will be easily accessible even with the use of a wheelchair or walker. Additionally, ensure that the pathway leading to entrances is non-slippery and do not have uneven surfaces.
- Large and Convenient Bathrooms
The bathroom is a place most susceptible to falls, slips, and injuries. It is imperative, therefore, that the bathroom is redesigned to be safe and convenient for your elderly loved ones. Install handle bars on walls, especially in the shower, and near the toilet and sink. Installing good-quality, non-slip mats on the floor is also a must.
- Large Spaces with Plenty of Room for Movement
A house arrangement consisting of a lot of furniture and household items can make the space difficult to navigate in. For your senior loved ones who may be using canes, walkers, or wheelchairs, a big space is required for easy mobility. Keep furniture and household items or décor at a minimum. It will also be helpful to get rid of doors and instead have open entryways between rooms. As much as possible, have your elderly loved one’s bedroom on the ground floor.
NonaCare, LLC is a home health agency in Bridgewater, Massachusetts that provides personalized caregiving services to your elderly loved ones. We help to ensure your senior loved ones’ safety, security, and overall good health and well-being through our range of services in home health care in Massachusetts. With us, you will have the peace of mind that the ones you love are receiving the best care and assistance they need, while at the comforts of their home.
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