How to Maintain a Safe & Comfortable Environment for Seniors to Age in Place
When it comes to your loved one, you want them to be happy and healthy. That’s why it’s important to provide them with a comfortable home environment that will allow them to age comfortably.
As you age, it’s crucial to maintain a comfortable and safe living environment. If you’re considering staying at home instead of moving into assisted living or a nursing home, there are some things to consider. This article will discuss ways to help make aging at home more habitable for you or your loved one as you age.
Things to Consider When You Want to Age In Place
The benefits of staying home include continuing your daily routine and having familiar surroundings. However, there are also risks associated with this choice. If you live alone or have limited mobility or vision problems (which can make it difficult to see hazards), then the dangers of having an unsafe home may prevent a stumbling block to your remaining home as old age sets in.
Naturally, some things can be done to address these risks effectively.
To mitigate risks such as those mentioned if you are mobility or visually compromised, we recommend installing safety devices such as smoke detectors throughout your house so that they will go off if something catches fire; using non-slip bath mats in the bathroom; adding grab bars near toilets/showers/sinks; making sure all medications are stored safely away from food items so that pets don’t accidentally ingest them; getting rid of clutter so nothing gets knocked over onto someone else who might be walking through the room where said clutter is located, among other things.
Install Grab and Support Bars or Devices
Grab bars are a great way to make sure you can get around your home safely and assist you in the case of in-home care. You don’t need to be an expert DIYer; most grab bars come with instructions on installing them, and they’re easy enough for anyone with basic carpentry skills (or just a good neighbor who’s willing to help).
Grab bars should be installed in the bathroom and next to bathtubs or showers so that you can use them when getting up from the toilet or into the tub. Ensure that the grab bar is placed at waist height so it doesn’t interfere with any doors opening or closing--this will keep things safe for everyone involved!
Consider installing grab bars along your bathtub wall and on each side of your toilet.
A folding cane chair can be used as an extra seat in the bathroom or bedroom to aid senior care. The cane chair folds up and fits into a small bag that’s easy to carry with you when you’re out of the house (or even just going from one room to another).
You can also find portable chairs with arms that attach securely to any surface--like tables or counters--so they won’t slide around while someone sits on them. Some models include padding for extra comfort, while others are made from metal frames with no cushioning; choose whichever option suits your needs best!
Make Use of Non-Skid Strips
In-home and senior care can be risky overall, so you’ll want to work on fully proofing the home for you or your loved one. The safety of walk spaces; includes considerations such as sloped or inclined floors, the presence of stairs, and whether or not the home is tiled or carpeted. Making the necessary safety upgrades will ensure peace of mind for your loved one, protecting them against accidents and injuries from slips or falls.
Get Rid of Clutter
One of the best things you can do to make it easier for yourself and your loved ones is to get rid of clutter. Clutter can be a safety hazard, especially if you’re trying to walk around your house or move furniture around. It’s also harder to clean up, which means more work for everyone involved.
Additionally, if there are too many things in one place, it will be hard to find what you need when it comes time to use them again--and that’s not good either!
Make Sure Cabinets and Cupboards Are Accessible
Lower cabinets so you can reach them more easily, or install pull-out shelves to make everything more accessible. Make sure there is plenty of room to maneuver, and the cabinets are sturdy and well-secured if you want to go this route.
Why Having Them In Place is Best
The best way to ensure your loved one gets the senior care they need is to have them stay in their own home. This can be especially important for people who have spent most of their life living independently and those who aren’t ready for a nursing home or assisted living facility but approach 24-hour home care with a kinder spirit.
There are many benefits of choosing in-home care services over other options such as nursing homes:
You’ll save money on transportation and other expenses associated with moving into another location.
You’ll enjoy greater freedom from having someone else take care of everything for you with 24-hour home care, including cooking meals and making sure there’s enough food for everyone.
You can keep up with family members who live nearby without worrying about being away from home too long. You’ll also have no limitations relating to visiting times, adding to a feeling of ongoing freedom and independence!
Ultimately, it’s important to remember that no one can replace your loved one. You know them best and will be able to keep them safe and happy in their own home as they age. Even more importantly, you’ll probably want to honor their wishes. One such way to do this is to upgrade the home to accommodate your aging loved one, who will grow more hindered over the years. When you grant them the comfort of the home, you grant them dignity; this is what we are passionate about at Comfort Keepers Sonora. If you’re considering in-home care for your parent, loved one, or yourself, you will be in the most capable hands. Contact us today.
