Today, people are living longer than ever before. While that’s good news, it also presents challenges for families as they try to figure out the best way to support their aging loved ones.
Many older people want to remain in their own homes or live with a family member instead of going to a nursing home or assisted living facility. While this is true, bringing an elderly family member into your home presents certain challenges. Making sure that your home is suited for their needs is essential. Some tips to help you create a senior-friendly home can be found here.
Modify Your Bathroom to Ensure Safety
When it comes to safety, the bathroom is a neglected room. Because of this, you need to pay special attention to it if your senior loved one is moving in. Be sure there aren’t any exposed sharp corners and remove any clutter from the room. You also need to ensure the area is well lit and all obstacles are removed to ensure falls don’t occur.
Other affordable ways to make your bathroom safer for a serious loved one, too. For example, you can add no-slip, textured strips in your shower and bathtub and put a waterproof chair in the shower. It’s also smart to replace traditional doorknobs with lever-style handles and install a raised toilet. Grab bars are also a helpful addition to the bathroom and can help your senior loved one shower or bathe independently.
Install Railings and Handrails in Your Home
You should also install railings and other types of handrails in your home. These will provide your senior loved ones with support throughout your home and let them live independently (as much as possible). While railings may not be a décor statement, they can significantly reduce the possibility of falls.
Take Steps to Prevent Slips and Falls
For most seniors (and others), the kitchen and bathroom are common areas for falls. Ensure you install anti-slip mats to help prevent falls that can lead to serious injuries and even fatalities.
Make Your Senior Loved One’s Bedroom Safer
You should work to ensure your senior loved one’s bedroom is peaceful and relaxing. While making sure they can rest comfortably is important, you must also ensure they are safe in this space.
Some steps to do this include investing in an adjustable bed, installing bed railings, and replacing any furniture with sharp corners or presenting stubbed toe risks. You should also make sure the light is bright enough to make the entire home safe for your elderly loved one.
Making Your Home Safe for an Aging Loved One
As you can see, there are several things you can do to help make your home safer for an aging loved one. You should also consider any other issues or safety risks your loved ones may face in your home and take steps to make it safer and more comfortable for them. Being able to turn to someone in their time of need is a must for any senior.
