A time comes when your parents or grandparents can no longer depend on themselves and need your assistance and require to be looked after. It’s your responsibility to take great care of your parents and grandparents and keep them healthy and happy when they age. Limited mobility is the most common issue faced by people when they age. The very first step can be implementing changes to your home to keep it safe and welcomed by your elderly loved ones whether they are moving in or visiting.

STAIRLIFT INSTALLATION

A stairlift installation is really a great solution for the elderly, and disabled ones too. In this, a motorized rail attached to the staircase moves the chair up and down when used. All that is needed to do is to sit on the chair, fasten the seatbelt and the button will help the person move up and down. There are certain things that are to be considered before installing a stairlift.

  • User’s mobility status
  • Design of your staircase
  • Size and weight capacity
  • Installation and servicing

SAFE BATHROOM

Bathroom is the riskiest room where most of the cases of falling and scalding occurs. To ensure the safety of your elderly loved ones, you need to address the following issues:

  • Grabs bars can be installed in the shower and beside the toilet to grab it for balance while putting oneself onto the toilet or shower seat.
  • Rubber mats can be used in the bathtub to prevent slipping.
  • Slip-proof floor to avoid any accidents that can take place on a wet floor.
  • A toilet raiser to improve access if the toilet seat is too low for comfortable transfers on and off.
  • A shower seat can be installed so that it becomes comfortable to sit and have a bath.

BEDROOM MODIFICATIONS

Making the bedroom safe for the elderly ones is easier as compared to the other rooms.

  • Firm mattress can be replaced with a softer one which will provide more comfort and support.
  • Round doorknob can be replaced by a single lever as they can easily push this lever down to open the door.

MITIGATE FALL HAZARDS

  • Clean up piled clutter such as newspapers, loose clothes and shoes.
  • Create a more open environment which will keep them healthy and they can enjoy the freshness of nature.
  • Stretching extension cords across the floor should be avoided.

PROPER LIGHTING

Poor lighting is often a cause of fall for the senior citizens as they may suffer from diminished vision.

  • Ensure that every entrance is well lit.
  • Keep a night light in every room and in the staircase.
  • You can use LED battery-powered, motion-activated, and/or solar-powered lights to light outdoor ramps, paths, and staircases.
  • Fix a nightlight in the bathroom in order to avoid unwanted accidents. You can also fix a nightlight on the route to the bathroom to help your elderly loved ones to find their way to the bathroom at night.

It is very important to keep everyone safe in your home especially when the members are ageing. Caring for your older members is not as challenging as one thinks. Most of them don’t ask for much, what they want is to be listened to. Spending enough time with them, listening to their needs, communicating with them and being available for them whenever they need is all that they want. Love them and make them feel wanted, and you’ll feel that caring for them isn’t a heavy task.