Do you live with an older person who is complaining about not being able to wash properly? Or are they fed up with being confined to the home when they want to be outside?
As someone ages, their mobility needs change, and adaptations have to be made around the home to keep them pottering and living their life safely.
Here, five areas of the home will be looked at, and options for making those areas safer for older people will be explored, too. Enjoy!
The Stairs
It should come as no surprise that one of the most dangerous areas in the home for elderly people is the staircase. This is more the case when you have somebody who has movement problems, is on strong pain medication, or has arthritis. One option is to have residential elevator lifts installed in the home, so the need to use the stairs is bypassed altogether in favour of a safe and secure option, which not only looks snazzy but also adds value to the home. These don’t have to look clinical and can be made to blend in with your home’s aesthetic.
The Kitchen
When someone with arthritis is trying to use a kitchen, the need to press buttons or twist their wrists to move objects can be cumbersome and very painful. When looking at safety in the kitchen for the elderly, it can range from automatic can openers to ergonomic utensils, all the way to induction cooktops, which will reduce the chance of burns. There are even smart kettles and other items in the home, which can be set to timers and controlled with the press of a button.
The Bathroom
Another area of high risk in the home of an elderly person is the bathroom. An unstable, frail individual around water can be a recipe for disaster. However, options like grab rails, shower chairs, and even walk-in baths and showers can make a world of difference and can help an elderly person to maintain their independence and keep their hygiene levels up.
The Toilet
For those who have arthritis or mobility issues, or even stability issues, the toilet poses a real risk, and, when the toilet is in the same room as a bath, the chances of an accident increase.
So, to make the toilet safer, you can install a bidet, a toilet chair, and grab rails, which can help an older person to maintain their hygiene as well as keep them safe. It’s also worth exploring open-plan bathrooms and toilets, if possible, to keep the space clutter-free and to prevent falls.
The Garden(s)
Now, many older people love their gardens, and in the spring and summer, this space becomes an area where they can meet with their friends or even grow vegetables and fruit.
Of course, gardens can be uneven, have dips, and even the tools used for weeding can cause issues. If possible, it’s worth investing in decking, as this will create a smooth, stable surface, which is a simple and accessible resting spot. Make sure that there is plenty of shade (awnings are good for this) and try to make sure that any garden tools are ergonomic, easy to grip, and longer, to prevent the need to bend, which could lead to an accident.
