There comes a point in everyone’s life, whether you like it or not, one will need the help of family. Aging is part of life but sometimes it comes with all kinds of diseases and problems that make everyday life not so easy as we would like it to be. Luckily, for most of the problems nowadays there’s a solution.
Although it’s not so easy anymore, most of the seniors prefer to remain in the comfort of their own home, rather than going to a retirement facility and in a way, that’s understandable. Change is hard for any of us, but for a senior, it’s even harder, so why not make the proper adjustments and let them stay in the familiar environment that they’re used to?
When making the alterations, two primary areas that you should look at are their safety and comfort. To begin with, do a risk analysis of your home, identify accident-prone areas and work on them. Here are other changes that make your home safe for the elderly.
Stairway
This can be one of the dangerous areas, especially for seniors. Ensure that the staircase has safely installed railings for them to hold. Alter the step height if need be to make it comfortable for them. If they can’t go up the stairs anymore, you can consider stairlifts that can be really helpful or even a step lift which will allow even the elderly that are in a wheelchair to access the upper floor.
Bathroom
Bathrooms present a high risk of slipping. Install anti-skid tiles and water taps that are easy to operate. It is also advisable to have ample lighting in the bathroom. Eliminate all the steps in the bathroom, instead, level it, and use non-slip mats.
Safe flooring
Instead of marble flooring opt for something which is anti-skip. For instance, install wooden or chip tiles. Use these floorings for the backyard and porch too. Have an elevated entrance if the elderly at home use a wheel-chair.
Lighting
The elderly require around two to three times more lighting than an average person for a clearer vision. Install ample lighting throughout the house.
It is also wise to create a closet with all the things that they might need throughout the day, like medicines, keys, phone. That way they can easily find what they are looking for.
These are just a few tips that can make the life of an elderly person much easier and that can offer them the independence that they think they have lost with age.
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