Written By Amber Bowman
With present day technologies and conveniences, it is easier than ever to age safely at home. Most elderly adults want to age in the comforts of home but may not have the safety measures in place. It doesn’t take much to make your living space accident proof and still the comfortable loving home you have spent years in. Here are a few modifications that would make things such as transportation and many day to day tasks stress free and set up for success.
Fall Proofing
When making changes to your home a big consideration is that of eliminating obstacles to prevent falling. The most common places where accidents happen are stairs, slippery floors, and in the bathroom. To get rid of the risk it’s a good idea to install hand bars or add a waterproof chair in the shower along with a non slip shower surface. Using a raised toilet where you don’t have to squat down as far is helpful as well.
It is crucial to get rid of anything around the house you have to step over and could cause you to trip such as loose rugs and thresholds. If you have a pet it’s a good idea to have a separate place for them when you are moving around the house. If there are stairs leading into your home a ramp replacement or surrounding handrails are a good alternative. A few other options would be to cover slick floors with nonslip flooring and to cover all chords and wires.
Transportation/Emergency
When you or an aging family member no longer feel comfortable driving it’s time to set up a new transportation plan. This can be in the form of public transport if you live near a bus stop, delivery and taxi service, or planned help from friends and family or a homecare agency. Telehealth services are a great resource and can be an alternative to leaving your house to go to a doctors office.
In case of emergency, a wearable medical alert device can be a lifesaver and contact help fast.
Easy access everyday items
Walkthrough your home and everyday routines to set yourself up for success. Have the kitchen set up for breaks while cooking or loading and unloading dishes. Designate an area with the plates or cups that are used everyday and can be grabbed easily. Go through the house and make it so nothing is too big of a strain. Nowadays you can even control many aspects of your home from an app on your phone. Make your home a smart home and have easy access for things like changing the AC to voice answering the front door.
Lighting
Adding lights around your house is another good place to start in making a home safer. In the hallways, in the bathrooms, anywhere frequently used. A midnight trip to the bathroom is doesn’t turn into a trip to the first aid kit with a little help to light the way.
Hire a in-home caregiver
Last but not least, to make aging at home safer it’s a great idea to hire a certified caregiver! With or without all the examples listed above, a caregiver is the best addition to make aging at home safe and enjoyable. A caregiver can be with you everyday or scheduled based on your specific wants and needs. They are trained to help you navigate daily tasks and errands and become a trusted companion along the way. Give Synergy a call today to find the best caregiver to suit your needs!
