Creating an Age-Friendly Home
A home is usually a place of comfort. But as we age, our homes can become potentially dangerous. Our bodies change, and our physical abilities may become more limited. This can make everyday tasks around the home more challenging and increase the risk of accidents and falls. Creating an age-friendly home can help make daily activities easier and safer.
But how to do it properly? We talked to professional in-home senior care providers in Brentwood and discussed simple, inexpensive ways to adapt your home and help aging parents and other senior family members.
What do seniors fear the most?
Some common fears among seniors include financial instability, fear of losing independence, loneliness, isolation, falling or being injured, and the fear of making health-related decisions. All of these can be overwhelming for your elderly loved ones, and ensuring that their home is safer for them can certainly alleviate some of their worries. Why? Taking this step may reduce the risk of falls and other injuries, enhance their quality of life, and possibly reduce the cost of long-term care for their families.
How do you create an age-friendly environment?
The concept of independent living describes senior citizens who live mainly on their own. To keep seniors as independent as possible, you can create senior-friendly homes with a few small changes and ensure their safety and dignity as they age.
- Remove tripping hazards: Clear pathways of clutter, rugs, and cords, and make sure they’re free of clutter and that lighting is sufficient.
- Install grab bars and handrails: Place grab bars near the tub, toilet, and shower in the bathroom. Also, add handrails in areas where support and balance are needed, such as stairways and hallways.
- Consider mobility aids: Canes and walkers may be helpful if you have difficulty walking or standing for long periods of time. A common and easy solution to make your home more accessible is to install a ramp to the entrance.
- Choose user-friendly appliances: Consider those with convenient and practical features, such as pre-set programming.
- Consider non-slip flooring: You don’t have to replace the whole floor. Instead, you can use products to make it less slippery.
- Improve lighting: It’s important to maintain proper lighting in all rooms, particularly in areas with poor lighting such as stairways. Additionally, installing motion sensor lights can be helpful in preventing falls.
- Modify your bathroom: Think about investing in a raised toilet seat and a shower bench. Also, replacing a traditional bathtub with a walk-in shower or adding a non-slip mat to the bottom of the bathtub can be quite helpful.
- Get a medical alert system: For elderly loved ones who wish to age in place, a medical alert system is an important safety and security feature. You might want to consider investing in one as an emergency backup.
How can I find reliable senior care services in Brentwood and the surrounding area?
Caring for an aging family member can be overwhelming and challenging. If you’re struggling to keep up with the responsibilities, A Better Way In Home Care can provide the support you need. The caregivers we refer know how to assist with everyday tasks such as bathing, dressing, and meal preparation. You can count on them to take your loved ones to appointments and run errands for you. They can even help them maintain their creativity and help them practice mindfulness. Moreover, experienced caregivers can provide companionship and conversation to help alleviate stress levels. For instance, a walk around Brentwood Circle or nearby streets can boost your loved one’s mood and well-being. Give us a call today and learn more about how we can help!