Making OurHomes Safer for the Elderly

Aging seniorsare at a higher risk of injuring themselves when they are home. There are many things around the house thatpose a danger to them.

Here are some of the things that can make your home safer for them:

Call in a Homecare Aide

With aging seniors in the house, the first step should always involve calling in a professional home care aide. The aide would conduct a home assessment and based on their expertise, recommend remodeling and modifications.

 Make Your Home Fall-Proof

One in every four seniors over the age of 65 takes a fall every year. This dangerouslyaffects their health. To keep the elderly in your house safe, here are some things you need to do pronto:

• Get rid of small and low furniture that can often go unnoticed.
• Remove all the locks from their rooms as well as from the bathrooms so getting in is quicker and easier.
• Put railings in places where the chances of losing balance are high and where a long walk is required, for example,halls.
• Change regular toilets with raised ones and put grab bars around it for support.
• Get rid of all the throw rugs in the house as they are extremely slippery.
• Fix floors and carpets with uneven and raised surfaces.
• Install monitors and sensor alarms around the house if the senior has a habit of wandering.
• If there are kids in the house, maintain a system that keeps the toys and paraphernalia away from the steps and on the floors.
• If your home’s flooring is slippery, add non-slipping wax on the floor.

Modify the Kitchen

The kitchen needs to be a safe and easy place for the seniors to use; even more so if the seniors are fond of cooking or baking and like to choose their own snacks and breakfast.

Keep their favorite and frequently used food items within reach in the refrigerator. Also, make sure that a fire extinguisher is easily accessible. Installing automatic burners that turn off on their own when there’s no pot or ones that are set on the timer are also crucial for the safety of the seniors.

Establish Proper Communication Channels

The seniors must never be left alone. In addition to homecare aide, as well as frequent visits by family members, there should always be an open communication. With permission, you can install security cameras in their homes, or you can take turns taking care of them. A call every one-hour can also let you know of their well being. In addition to all of the above, make sure you are never too far away from the seniors.