How To Make Homes Safe For Seniors To Live In

Let's face it- ageing makes people wiser but also exposes them to a variety of health risks. Daily tasks that were once done without any second thoughts become difficult and even dangerous as people age. As mobility weakens, risks within the house appear to increase, suggesting the use of fall-preventative measures.

Most people want to grow old in their own homes, and for many, this is a good idea. If you’re a family member caring for your elderly parent(s) at home, you must often find yourself asking - how do I keep an elderly person safe at home? Or what is a senior-friendly home? It is as simple as it sounds; a home that is safe for the elders to reside in.?

Modifications need to be made around the house to make it senior-friendly. Of course, there are several home adaptations and senior care alternatives available, ranging from in-home eldercare to engaging the assistance of friends, family, or neighbours to taking on the responsibility of full-time caregiving for your loved one. Start-ups such as Goodfellows also offer companionship to the elderly while many others offer home nursing care by providing nursing attendants. However, the important aspect still lies in elder-proofing the home to make it safer for them.

Ways To Make Your Home Safe For Ageing Parents?

1. Secure the stairs?

It becomes more difficult to climb as one gets older, and can sometimes even lead to life-threatening consequences. For the safety of the elderly living at home, installing stair rails removes the difficult climbing component of the equation, making the steps safer.

Apart from adding stair railings, ensure the steps are always well-lit. The best way is to use fluorescent lights.?

2. Replace rugs with carpets?

While walking, many seniors shuffle their feet instead of lifting them, putting them at a comparatively higher risk of falling. To fall-proof your home, anchor all carpets to the floor and also get hardwood covered with anchored carpet. This creates a softer surface and provides greater stability for your loved one to move around the house. Remove any elevated carpets or stylish throw rugs used merely for their decorative value.

3. Use grab bars

Install easy-to-use grab bars in the bathtub, shower, toilets, and on the balcony while senior-proofing your home. These are the sections of the house that are pretty much constantly damp and can easily become a hotspot for slip-and-fall accidents. Using sticky flooring can also help to improve friction and reduce the chance of slipperiness. Ensure there’s a non-slip bathmat alongside the bath or shower as well as in the bathroom to lessen the chance of falling.

4. Look into the details?

Conduct a walk-through of the house to ensure no obstacles might frustrate the elderly. Open up the space and arrange the furnishings to allow for plenty of movement. To avoid bumps or cuts on edges, clear any clutter and cover corners and sharp edges, such as coffee tables, with specially designed padding. Since bending or reaching for heights is just not an option for many older adults, move frequently used items in kitchen cabinets to lower shelves so that nobody needs to reach or rise to access them.

5. Install a Wi-Fi Monitor?

Having a motion-controlled monitor installed allows you to actively check and assist the elderly members of your family. This gives you peace of mind as you see them go about around the house, and helps you take notes, and come up with better ways to senior-proof homes while keeping them secure.

6. Use a medical alert system?

Investing in a sound medical alert system can be a lifesaver when it comes to eldercare. During a medical emergency or a fall accident, your loved one will simply need to press a button to receive immediate access to emergency care. There are several brands to select from, so do your homework by reading reviews and comparing the prices before buying.?

Always keep a list of emergency numbers handy so that you can act depending on the situation.?

Go the extra mile?

It’s hard for your loved ones to see you make changes around the house and safe-proof it, so be patient and courteous with your suggestions and adjustments. Take expert assistance from care service providers if necessary. They are available to perform in-home care services for the elderly in your absence and provide home attendants with the best care to ensure their safety.

Senior proofing the home not only ensures a safe environment for your loved ones but also a better lifestyle in their golden age.

Written by Anika Saha