As we age, Charter Oak Home Care knows that maintaining independence and quality of life becomes even more important. For many seniors, staying at home is the goal, but it requires making the right modifications to ensure their safety. The good news is that there are a variety of home modifications that can significantly reduce risks to allow seniors to live independently for longer. There are plenty of tools and resources available, keep reading for some helpful ideas to keep seniors safe at home.
Prioritize Fall Prevention
Falls are the most common concern when it comes to seniors staying home alone. It is important to prioritize safety in the home and make simple modifications to help prevent falls.
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- Install Grab Bars: Place grab bars in essential areas where an extra helping hand is needed such as the bathroom near the toilet and shower. These can help provide support when sitting or standing. Make sure to find sturdy, wall-mounted bars that can bear weight.
- Stair Safety: If there are stairs in the home consider adding non-slip treads or a stairlift if mobility is limited. Make sure all the handrails are secure and sturdy.
- Non-slip Rugs and Mats: Putting slip-resistant rugs in well traveled areas or the house is essential. Put these in places such as the bathroom and kitchen to reduce the chance of slipping.
Utilize Technology for Safety and Monitoring
Technology can play an important role for seniors in their homes. Technology can add an extra layer of help when help isn’t always available.
- Wearable Emergency Response Devices: A wearable device such as a life alert can help seniors in an emergency situation when they cannot get to a phone. There are also some devices out there that can detect when someone falls and will alert emergency workers.
- Medication Management: Automatic medication dispensers can help seniors remember to take their medications. This can also help prevent seniors from taking the wrong medications at the wrong times.
- Smart Home Devices: Smart thermostats, security systems, or a virtual voice assistant (such as an Alexa) can help seniors manage their home environment with ease and reduce the strain of everyday tasks.
Enhance Mobility with Assistive Devices
For seniors with limited mobility, assistive devices can be a game-changer. These devices can help prevent falls and help seniors gain their independence in everyday activities.
- Wheelchairs and Walkers: These types of devices can help seniors get around with ease and peace of mind. Make sure the home is accessible where necessary such as widening doorways and hallways. For wheelchairs it can be helpful to add ramps in places there are stairs.
- Adjustable Beds: An adjustable bed can help seniors get in and out of bed with ease. This can be especially helpful for seniors with mobility issues or recovering from surgery.
- Lift Chairs: A lift chair or an electric recliner can tilt and raise the seat up to make getting in and out of the chair easier for seniors. These types of chairs are easier for seniors with limited strength or joint problems.
There are so many different devices and tools to help seniors in their homes. Getting these devices can seem like a daunting task if you don’t know where to go. If you need help acquiring these things you can call your local senior center or church to see if they have some available or they can point you in the right direction. You can also try online medical supply stores or a local medical supply store such as Doyle’s Medical Supply in Torrington.
