Home Sweet Home
Many older adults want to remain in their own home for longer. Aging in place provides feelings of independence and comfort. Change is always difficult, especially for seniors, so the emotional cost of moving is also a factor.
But is it safe?
Living at home as you age requires planning to make your home easier and safer to live in. A few changes can help your loved one continue to live independently.
Prevent falls.
Falls are a main cause of (fatal and non-fatal) injuries in the elderly. To prevent falls:
Remove area rugs and check to see that all carpets are fixed firmly to the floor,
Use non-slip tape on tiles and wooden floors,
Clean up mess and clutter, and
Don’t run electrical cords across the floor.
Make the home more accessible.
To make the home as convenient as possible:
Store frequently used items within reach,
Provide seating in each room to make it easy to perform activities of daily living,
Transform entryways with ramps, and
Install handrails on both sides of the stairs.
Let there be light.
Your eyes change with age. To create a well-lighted home:
Assess indoor and outdoor lighting,
Install motion sensor lights, and
Update task lighting for cooking, sewing, reading, etc.
Make the bathroom much safer.
Most injuries occur in bathrooms. For senior-friendly bathroom safety:
Mount grab bars to maintain balance and lessen fatigue while standing,
Fit raised toilet seats for those with limited mobility,
Invest in a quality shower seat, and
Use non-slip mats.
Modify the bedroom.
We spend a lot of time in our bedrooms. To make it a safe place to be:
Provide pressure relief and prevent bedsores with the right mattress,
Assemble bed rails, and
Adjust the height of the bed.
Check in daily.
Contact with your aging loved one is very important. To help make sure they’re safe:
Maintain frequent contact,
Teach them how to use modern technology,
Sign them up as a “grandparent” to chat online with new friends of all ages,
Encourage them to wear a mobile panic button, and
Watch for changes in your loved one's behavior to assess if they need a caregiver, i.e. forgetting to pay bills, missing important dates, losing in interest in hobbies or activities, etc.
Shop & Rent Home Care Furniture Online
At CareChamp, we understand the importance of the elderly and people with disabilities being able to stay in their own home for as long as possible. With this comes the responsibility of making the home a safer and more comfortable place. Luckily, you can now buy and rent home care furniture and mobility aids conveniently at the touch of a button. Plus, we deliver nationwide within 5 working days, and delivery is free on orders over R2500. It’s one more way we’re making your life easier! Our range is designed to give extra assistance in the home to those who need it: