There are always certain things we watch out for when we visit people’s homes to provide home care. But what about seniors who are not yet ready to be cared for.
Maintaining a certain degree of independence is imperative for good mental health in the elderly population. As people age and become less able to do things for themselves, their mood begins to deteriorate, which can lead to other serious conditions like depression. Because of all the life and body changes people go through, the elderly may begin to feel like they are worthless because they cannot do things for themselves anymore and must depend on someone else for their every need.
For elderly people with low to moderate disability levels and health issues, maintaining this semi-independence is as easy as making some simple modifications to their homes to make them safer and easier to navigate. Here are some ways that an elderly person’s home can be modified to make it a less hazardous place for them to be, especially when alone or they are waiting the arrival of their home care.
Non-slip, stick on shower appliques
Injuries sustained from falls are the number one health hazard for the elderly population living alone, even part time. Slippery surfaces such as bath tubs and showers are some of the major culprits in these falls. Making the bathing surfaces less slippery using these appliques can greatly reduce the risk.
Handrails
Installing handrails for support in navigating steps, stairs, or hallways is another invaluable safety modification that can be easily done to an elderly person’s home. These handrails offer support and aid in balancing as they are trying to maneuver inclined surfaces or longer distances. Handrails are also recommended in bath tubs and shower stalls to make getting in and out of them less hazardous.
Tying up extension cords out of the way
Tripping over extension cords is also another major factor in the number of falls the elderly population experiences annually. Often times these cords are stretched across high traffic areas and can be hard to step over, especially for those with limited mobility. Securing these cords in an out of the way place, such as along a baseboard, can be effective in combating falls.
Lighting
Shedding light on dark areas in the home is a must to avoid falls and the injuries that often result from them. Long hallways, stairwells, porches, or even banisters that are poorly lit can be hard to navigate under the best circumstances. However, for a person utilizing a mobility aide such as a cane, walker, or wheelchair, navigating these places can be almost impossible. Installing simple automated night lights can, very effectively, remedy this situation.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions regarding our home care safety policies or any of the services we provide.