Elderly Home Care - How to Make a Home Safe For Seniors

 

 As our parents age it is a great idea to take a look at their surroundings with a different set of eyes. Is their home safe for them? Is it getting increasingly difficult for them to perform everyday tasks? There are many features of a home that can make it difficult for the elderly to manage. Simply take a look at the multitude of products on the market to assist in the modification of a home - you will be amazed at all of the problem areas that need to be addressed.

Let's take a look at some of the improvements that can make your aging parent's environment more accessible and safe. This list will provide a good starting point.

Kitchen

Put everyday items in the cupboards that are the easiest to reach
Replace knobs on faucets and cabinets with handles or bars
Clearly label all stove and oven dials with stickers or brightly colored markers
Install slide-out bins in lower cabinets
Elevate the dishwasher or invest in dishwasher drawers
Replace glass cups and plates with plastic
Bathroom

Raise toilet seat or purchase a chair-height toilet
Install handrails near toilet and in bath or shower
Use a hand-held shower head and store it low
Install a secure seat in bathtub or shower
Place non-slip decals or mat in the tub or shower
Replace knobs on faucets and drawers with handles or bars
Bedroom

Re-locate bedroom to first floor
Clear off a solid chair or bench to make dressing easier
Hang a shoe rack in the closet
Move everyday items to the top drawers in dressers
All Areas of the Home

Replace all light bulbs with brighter ones
Position electrical cords and computer cables under furniture and against walls
Make sure all windows can be opened easily
Replace small appliances with those that have an automatic shut-off feature
Remove furniture that is low to the ground making it hard to get out of
Remove tables with sharp corners from high-traffic areas
Make sure entrances to homes are brightly lit and stairs and porches have handrails
Lock or replace casters on any chairs or furniture
Set up lamps so they can be turned on and off from a light switch
Place reflective tape on stairs
Remove area rugs to prevent tripping and obstacles for walkers
Replace stairs with ramps
Use nightlights in every room including halls
Replace door knobs with handles
Make sure there are temperature controls on the hot water heater
Install handrails in hallways and near steps
Widen doors for walkers or wheelchairs
Stick reflective decals on sliding glass doors
Remove locks on all interior doors in case of an emergency
Many of the items listed are quick fixes while others may require a bit more effort to implement. The goal is to make moving around the home and performing everyday task as easy and as safe as possible for your aging parents.

Joyful home care is a business that was birthed out of a desire to help the elderly live life with joy every step of the way. We are based in Long Island, New York.

Looking for  home care for seniors in NYC, home health aide agencies, elderly home care in NYC, elder care home care and alzheimer's in home care? Contact https://joyfulhomecare.com/

 

1344 Middle Country Rd, Centereach, NY 11720