As we age, it’s important to make our homes a safe haven to live comfortably and securely. Aging is a natural process. One can lead it in a healthy way when safety and healthy habits are not compromised. As the number of seniors preferring to age in place is increasing, families should start creating a safe home environment for seniors. Moreover, creating a safe environment not only assures safety, besides it gives the confidence and strength to our elders.
Home is the most loved place for an elderly. They love to age in place as it promotes self-esteem, satisfaction, quality of life, comfort, etc. While the benefits are many, the risk factors are also more if the environment isn’t senior-friendly.
According to CDC, every year more than 3 million people are being treated in emergency due to fall injuries at home. Unsafe environment can create several challenges for the people we love. Thus, the best way to ensure their safety is by building a comfortable home environment.
Why Safe Environment is a key to Healthy Aging for Seniors?
Most of the seniors are preferring to stay at home rather than moving into assisted living facilities or nursing homes. Though, it is good news, it results various challenges for family members. Seniors living at home are at risk of having various threats such as a fall injury during their daily activities or a fire or medical emergency. Therefore, it is necessary to make the home safer for our aging senior.
Follow the tips provided below and create a safe environment that helps them to live their golden years happily.
Entry Way Tips
- Clear away items like shoes, bags, and other things to keep the walkway clear for the seniors. This is an important tip, as it helps seniors to move easily and prevent injuries.
- Install bright lights and consider incorporating a motion sensor light for increased safety in the entryway. This benefits your loved ones to see clearly and avoid injury by avoiding tripping hazards.
- Install grab bars or handrail in close proximity to the entryway will aid in supporting seniors’ balance as they enter or exit their homes.
- Ensure to keep all phone and electrical wires away from the pathway as these can make the seniors fall.
- To prevent area rugs from becoming tripping hazards, use the ones with non-slipping backing.
Bedroom Safety Tips
- Having grab bars nearby will assist with entering and exiting bed and using the toilet or shower.
- To make entry and exits from the bed easier for the senior, it is important to adjust the height of the bed and use a firm mattress for stability.
- Ensure that necessary medications are within reach of the bed and out of reach of children and pets.
- Ensure that bedding, such as blankets and comforters, is suitable for the season and climate, and do not use anything too heavy or bulky to avoid increases in falls.
- Consider installing a call system that provides the senior with access to assistance in the event of a fall or emergent situation.
Bathroom Safety Tips
- A raised toilet seat can be beneficial for facilitating seated and standing positions, which would make using the toilet easier for your loved ones.
- By using a bench or shower chair, it is possible to avoid the risk of senior falls while showering.
- Ensure to use bathroom door locks that are having simple method of entry from the outside in case of an emergency.
- To prevent scalding, ensure that the water heater temperature is set to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.
- To increase accessibility, keep frequently-used items at a convenient distance to reduce physical movement.
Kitchen Safety Tips
- Use knives that are softer, such as safety knives or knives with guards, to prevent accidental cuts.
- To ensure quick and effective response to a fire, have a fire extinguisher readily available nearby.
- To keep seniors healthy, it is always necessary to check the expiration dates on food items before eat them.
- Setting a timer helps aging loved ones to ensure that they are keeping an eye on food in the oven or on the stove.
- Create a well-organized kitchen, positioning frequently used items within reach and elevating heavier items at waist level. As a result, it helps your loved one to avoid unnecessary lifting for the elderly
- Help seniors use a wide-based stepping stool for reaching into high places or, a long-handled grasping device to reach into high places. This way, you can help your aging parents from falls.
Finally, there are many things we can do to make our home safer for seniors. If you have an elderly parent or relative who lives alone, it’s important to make sure they have a safe environment where they feel comfortable and secure. Creating this type of environment will help them feel more confident in their ability to live independently.
Alongside, you can also choose a caregiving service and gift a caregiver to your loved ones. By having them besides, your aging seniors can get a companion who will monitor, guide, support, protect and care them.
Caregivers at Assured Home Nursing are widely known for being the caring hands for aging elders. Get in touch with RN’s today and book your free consultation. We will gather the needful information and prepare a customized care plan that meets your loved one’s needs!
For more information, reach us today at – (248) 593-8134
