At home we are supposed to be the most comfortable, the safest and secure compared to any other place. It is at home where we can rest and have an additional peace of mind. They are our getaways away to the scrutinizing eyes and everything that is hectic and/or dangerous in the outside world. To majority of people they fit the bill. Regrettably not always so in case of the aged. Changes in our bodies as we get older can turn even something we would never have given a second thought to, into something dangerous and that can make us feel very insecure.
The needs of people change as they age. They tend to have difficulty dealing with balance and mobility. Their hearing and sight can get worse. To add to that, forgetfulness and impaired thinking processes may aggravate the situation and contribute to creating more safety incidents. It is essential to build a comfortable and secure environment so that the seniors would feel safe in it. Remember the following to remove possible safety risks and address the physical, mental, emotional needs of your aging loved one.
Get Rid of Trip Hazards
Among the measures that can help an elderly family member in particular, doing away with objects that might be a source of a fell is one of the most valuable ones. Make sure that area rugs are secure or get rid of them. Make sure that there are no loose areas in carpeting or uneven spots in harder floorings and tears. Ensure that no electrical cords are running across the rooms or hallways and get rid of clutter that might form a trip hazard to your loved one. Falls are the most common cause of injuries in older adults is falls, and most of the falls occur in the household, thus making it crucial to avoid trip factors.
Also, put up Grab Bars and Handrails
The home of the seniors can be made safer by the use of grab bars and handrails as another measure. Make sure all indoors and outdoors stairways are equipped with strong, sturdy handrails that elderly people can stretch their hands upon entering and descending. Install grab bars in the bathrooms adjacent to toilets and in showers and bathtubs. Older people who comprise those with balance problems or have poor mobility, especially show increased risks of falling and the stairs and bathroom are some of the usual sites of risk of falls. Certain cases might require the use of ramps or stairlifts that will prevent injuries on the move.
Improve Lighting
Seniors could also be greatly assisted by having the home lighted better. In dark places, safety issues, i.e., trip hazards are more challenging to observe. This becomes worse when a person has vision issues like glaucoma, cataract, among other complications. In order to fight such issues, it is advised to replace all light bulbs with anti-glares and bright ones. Putting night lights in the bedrooms, passages, and the bathroom can be considered. Motion sensor lights are also something that can be installed and help keep your loved one safer. Added lights may also make your loved feel remarkably safer.
Additional Considerations
Besides those changes, there are a few minor ones that can make the life of your elderly loved one much better. They can be safer and more comfortable by rearranging furniture to ensure that there are broad walkways which can take into consideration their unique needs. Furniture that is not well stable is also advised to be removed. An automated medication dispenser, wearable medical alerting device to be given to your loved one, and placing items they utilize often near arm or shoulder level are also successful steps.
Maintaining the comfort and safety of your aging loved one
To the elderly one, many dangers may be hiding inside a house. Most of them are sometimes ignored yet they are capable of making life more hazardous and inconvenient. Remember the points presented here when you are making adjustments to be as close as possible to the needs of your loved one. Consider your loved one and their individual needs and challenges as you go, and adjust the spaces as well. Such actions will definitely have a significant impact on their life.