Modifications to Make the Home Safer
Modifications to Make the Home Safer
The safety of your parents is always on your mind. It's especially true if your parents are trying to age in place. To a senior, their home is their sanctuary where feeling comfortable as well as safe is the main priority.
Modifications to keep your parents from harm while living at home is possible. There are necessary modifications, which you can do yourself or with the help of a family member. Then there are advanced modifications that will need the services of a professional for proper installation and safety issues.
Basic Modifications
For one of the basic modifications, make sure that there is enough space in every room. Clear all the pathways and make space for your parents to walk without bumping into anything. It's especially important to do this in the rooms which are most frequently used by your loved ones. Remove any unnecessary furniture, so there's more open space.
Be sure to remove anything which could cause your parents to trip. This includes throw rugs that could be bunched up and then tripped over. Remove excess electrical cords or place them out of the walk patterns. Better yet, place cord covers over them to avoid tripping. If your parents have pets, put the beds, water, and food dishes where they won't be tripped over.
In closets, pantries, and the kitchen review where everything is placed. If your parents have to climb on something or strain to reach it, reorganize so that the items are within reach.
Check the temperature on your parents’ water heater. If the water is too hot, it can cause severe burns. The correct water temperature in the hot water tank needs to be 120 degrees not 140 degrees, which is the typical default temperature.
Replace the regular doorknobs with levered handles. The faucets can be replaced with levered handles too. If your parents have arthritis or increasing weakness in their hands, it’s more of a challenge to manage opening regular doorknobs and faucets.
An elevated toilet seat can change one of the most frustrating mobility issues to a simpler one. For some seniors, just trying to get up and down from the toilet seat can be a challenge. With an elevated seat, the process is easier, and the installation is simple.
If you are concerned about your parents cooking or using the stove, hiring an in-home companion can change that. In-home companions can cook meals, do laundry, light housekeeping, and even walk the dog. Look into in-home health care to provide the extra help for your ease of mind.
Advance Modifications
When your parents age, balance becomes more unsteady. Installing grabs bars throughout the home in various places can prevent a fall. Then your parents can catch their selves before a fall instead of landing on the floor. Installing several grab bars in the bathroom, one next to the bed, and a few in the hallway can make your loved ones safer.
A stairlift is expensive, but it will assist your parents in going up and down the stairs safely. Some insurances will cover the cost or at least part of it, so do your research. Installation by a professional is definitely recommended.
Trying to get in and out of a bathtub is not only risky for an elderly parent but dangerous as well. Having a walk-in tub is costly, but it will increase the safety and the ease of your parents bathing safely.
If one of your parent’s is in a wheelchair, getting in and out and around the home can be challenging. Installing wheelchair ramps in different places around the house, including outside, can make the difference of whether your parent can age in place or not.
Keeping your parents safe as they age is a concern. We here at Right at Home can help with safety issues with in-home health care, call us today.
Aging In Place Guide
Aging in Place is a FREE guide designed to keep seniors home longer and safer. Aging in Place was developed with Rein Tideiksaar, Ph.D., PA-C, (or Dr. Rein, as he is more commonly known.) Download your Aging in Place Guide now!
