When seniors come to visit or even move in with you, it is important to ensure your home is safe for their specific needs. Older people sometimes have problems with vision, mobility, dizziness, or personal care due to aging, illness, or medication. This will require a shift in accommodation, but luckily there are many resources to help you make your house safer. Here are some considerations to keep in mind when a senior spends time in your home.
Mobility
Seniors who are feeble or frail may need help navigating your house. A handrail installed in the hallway can help them walk securely on their own. An elderly person who uses a walking device or a wheelchair can be assisted by moving floor objects out of the way, such as children’s toys or area rugs that tend to get twisted when walked on. Thinner carpets or smooth floor tile help to facilitate the movement of an elder with mobility challenges.
Bathroom
Make sure your bathroom floor has a non-skid surface to prevent slipping or falls. A higher-level toilet that requires less stooping to use would be an asset. Get a tub to shower conversion to make bathing easier and safer. You might want to install a bathroom countertop and sink that is a little lower than standard if your aged family member uses a wheelchair or is short in stature. Place grooming aids that are needed within reach, so an elderly person won’t have to stretch or climb to get them. Even small changes to how things are arranged can help make daily living much easier for your loved one.
Bed Rails
If your elderly loved one does not use a hospital bed, you may want to rent a bed with side rails as a safety feature. Falling out of bed can result in broken bones and bruises, especially at night when the person may become disoriented due to medication. Arranging a bedroom with a smooth floor and a bed with side rails as well as a portable toilet can make night time more secure for an aged person.
Security
Use night lights around your house after dark to help protect elderly people from stumbling. You can also install motion detector lights and security alarms for the doors if a senior member of the family is prone to wandering around at night. Instead of a loud alarm going off if your senior family member leaves the bedroom, you can connect the alarm to a system that is heard just in your room to inform you of your loved one’s night-time movements.
Adjustments like these can make life simpler and safer when an aging senior lives in your home. Make the changes you feel are necessary to give everyone peace of mind. Ultimately, they are the experts on what they will need. So don’t be afraid to ask questions and consult them. With some kindness and compassion, you will find the best solution for everyone involved. You’ll be sure to live well and in harmony together, as you adjust your home to accommodate your loved one.
