As we or a loved one grows older, we want to make sure that they can live safely and comfortably in their own homes. In our last blog, we discussed some of the ways you can elder-proof your home to make sure it is a safer environment for elderly adults. Elder-proofing by removing tripping hazards, rearranging furniture, and choosing non-slip rugs is a great way to help ensure you or your loved one is safe in their own home.
At Nova Home Health Care in Arlington, we offer in-home health care that allows elderly adults to remain independent while getting the help they need. Just because you are getting older doesn’t mean that you can no longer take care of yourself, you may just need a little additional help, that is where we come in. We provide a variety of in-home and elderly care, allowing you to live independently while receiving the help you need. In this blog, we are going to talk about some of the other ways that you can elder-proof your home to make it safer to move about.
Add Handrails
Handrails are a great addition to the home and allow elderly adults to move through the home without a fear of falling. Adding handrails in areas that may be tricky to manoeuver can help elderly adults feel more comfortable living independently. Handrails down long hallways, on the wall leading up the stairs, in the bathroom, other areas can be beneficial.
If you or your elderly loved one has trouble getting up from the toilet, adding a handrail near the toilet will allow for someone to pull themselves up. If a long hallway with nothing to hold onto, a handrail can make someone feel more confident walking from one part of the home to another.
Make Things More Accessible
Making items that are used every day more accessible to an elderly adult can help to minimize issues or accidents. Move kitchen items that are used daily to lower shelves so that they do not have to climb to grab certain items. If there is an extra bedroom on the main floor, it could be a good idea to move their room there. That way, they don’t have to climb stairs regularly and can avoid falls that involve the stairs. By making areas and items that they use daily more accessible, you can help minimize falls, injuries, and other accidents.
Other Tips
There are many additional ways to elder-proof a home including:
- Removing locks from bathroom and bedroom doors in case there is an accident.
- Adding motion-sensor lights.
- Adding shower chairs.
- Lowering hot water settings so they don’t burn themselves.
- Cover sharp corners.
- Get a medical alert system.
As you elder-proof your home or an elderly loved one’s home, make sure you focus on their main issues. If they have trouble seeing in their home when it is dark, add more lights. If they have trouble with the stairs, add an extra handrail or a stairlift to the house.
There are many ways to improve a home to make it safer and more comfortable for elderly adults. If you need in-home health care or any of our other services, feel free to contact Nova Home Health Care today! We offer our services across Virginia, allowing your elderly loved ones to get the care they need.
