Improve In Home Safety for Your Elderly loved One
With more and more elderly people looking to live independently, safety in the home is more important than ever. Research shows that approximately three-quarters of Americans age 50 and older want to continue living in their own homes for as long as possible.
With nearly 90% of homeowners who are approaching retirement wanting to stay in their homes as they age, according to a study by the Federal Housing Administration. To prevent injuries, reduce fall risks, and ensure independence when aging at home, it’s important for families and seniors to incorporate home safety tips.
Considerations for Home Safety
Home safety can be complex. Everyone has different needs.
While some elderly people live successful independent lives others have conditions which require care and even regular in-home care and support from professionals. While there are fundamental home safety needs which can benefit most seniors, your elderly loved one may have specific home safety needs depending on their healthcare conditions.
Dementia and Alzheimer’s
Elderly people with Alzheimer’s, Dementia and other memory related conditions will need some form of care based on your Physicians recommendations. From a home safety perspective here are a few tips to keep in mind;
- Keep the setup of furniture and everyday use items stable so it is easier to remember.
- Make use of notes and easy erase boards for reminders and everyday activities
- Use a calendar to keep track of days and time easier
- Make use of daily planners for activities such as meals, daily activities and healthcare appointments
Mobility Needs
Seniors with mobility issues will have unique needs to be able to live at home successfully. Your home may need some physical changes around doorways or in bathrooms and bedrooms to enable your senior loved one to perform daily living activities successfully.
For seniors recovering from surgery this will also be important and contribute to a healthy recovery with no re-admissions post surgery.
Keep these things in mind when it comes to home safety for seniors with mobility needs;
- Handrails in hallways and up stairs
- Runners over the floors in doorways
- Anti-slip pads in the shower
- Hand rails around the toilet
- Good lighting in hallways and darker spaces in the home
Seniors with Medications
Many senior have health conditions which require medications including the following;
- Diabetes
- Heart Conditions
- COPD
- Alzheimer’s and Dementia
- And others
Making a home safe for senior’s with any one or more of these conditions will vary. You may need a mix of home safety adjustments for your senior to be able to age in place at home. This is why it is important to have an in-home care agency like Alliance Home Care. Our In-Home Services will provide an assessment as well as tailored services to meet the needs of your elderly loved one.
To learn more about how In-Home Care can help improve your loved ones’ quality of life, call Alliance Senior Care at 248-274-2170. It’s not just In-Home Care, it is Integrated Care.
Home Care are an excellent resource for family caregivers and seniors alike.
Alliance Senior Care Home Care services offer a wide range of services providing healthcare, daily living assistance, transportation to and from Doctor’s appointments and tailored care services for additional circumstances.