As your loved ones age, it’s easy to feel they need extra help around the house. After all, most things take a lot more time and energy as you get older. However, some practical solutions can help make it easier for seniors to live independently. Creating a safer environment for your elderly loved ones s of great importance. It ensures they have everything they need close by, and there is no risk of falling or getting hurt by dangerous objects.
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Implement Fall Prevention Measures
If you have elderly relatives, it’s important to take steps to prevent them from falling. Fall injuries are one of the leading causes of death among seniors and can lead to serious health problems. Here are some things you can do:
- Make sure your home has enough light, so there aren’t any obstacles on the floor or in dark hallways. This will help your loved one stay safe while walking around their home at night.
- Install grab bars by the toilet and at all the tub or shower corners. These will help seniors keep balance while getting in or out of the shower and provide support during potential slips. You should also consider installing a non-slip mat on your bathtub or shower floor if you have trouble standing up from sitting down.
- Put up shower curtains with weighted bases if possible (these will prevent them from blowing around) so they don’t get caught in a breeze while bathing; otherwise, install hooks along one side of the stall so they can be hung over them instead of having to lie flat against its walls while taking baths/showers! If neither option works out well, then try storing away some towels nearby just in case something happens unexpectedly.”
- Ensure the toilet is installed where it can be easily accessed without hitting anything else when entering and exiting. The sink and mirror should be positioned so that there are no obstacles in front of them when using them for shaving or putting on makeup.
- If possible, install a safety alarm near the stairs where your loved ones live so that when someone falls down those steps and cannot get back up again due to injuries such as broken bones. This device will sound off, alerting all those within earshot who may be able to assist them quickly before any further damage occurs from lying alone on an unsafe surface which could cause further injury due to being unable to keep an upright position while bleeding profusely because internal organs were punctured by impact force due falling stairs.”
Make Sure Appliances Are Easy to Use
As you’re making your home safe for the elderly, there’s one area that many don’t think about: appliances. Ensure your kitchen’s appliances aren’t too hot or too cold and that they’re easy to use. You should also ensure they are easy to read since many seniors have trouble seeing them. If an appliance is broken, don’t try to fix it yourself—call a technician instead. Also, remember that some appliances can be loud (like a blender), so try not to have them running while the person who lives there is asleep. Even for things such as a blood pressure monitor you can always reach out to remote patient monitoring companies to make sure it is working correctly and keep track of your records.
Finally, always remember that if something doesn’t seem right with any of these things—or if you aren’t sure what kind of lighting will work best in this person’s room—it’s okay to ask! A simple inquiry could help make their life easier and safer.
Install a Medical Alert System
Install a medical alert system. If you have a loved one living alone, it may be time to install a medical alert system. These can range from simple devices that send alerts to a caregiver’s phone to elaborate systems with fire and smoke detectors, video doorbells, motion sensors, and more. They’re great for seniors to feel safe in their homes without relying on anyone else for help. It is important to consult with monitoring companies for advice on the best medical alert system that best suits the needs of the elderly.
Update Electronics
If your elderly relative has trouble using the remotes for their TV or stereo system, consider purchasing new ones that are easier to use (or even replacing them altogether). Similarly, if they struggle with dialing up the volume or changing channels manually on their cable box or satellite receiver (also known as an “antenna”), consider buying them an electronic remote control instead of relying on buttons built into their device.
Conclusion
If you’re in the process of updating your home for seniors, it’s important to start with the basics. Your loved one’s safety should be at the forefront of your mind when making any changes so they can live comfortably and independently for as long as possible. These are just a few suggestions out of many others available today.
