As people age, the desire to remain in their own home becomes more and more important.
There are many reasons for this, including the familiarity and comfort of their surroundings, the sense of independence that living in their own home provides, and the emotional attachment they have to their home.
If you have an aging adult in your family who wishes to remain in their own home, there are steps that you can take to safeguard the house for their comfort and safety.
- Install grab bars and handrails: Falls are a common risk for aging adults, and installing grab bars and handrails in key areas of the house, such as the bathroom and stairways, can help prevent falls.
- Optimize lighting: Aging adults require ample lighting to help them navigate the house, so make sure to install bright lighting in all rooms, especially at night.
- Upgrade flooring: Carpets can pose a tripping hazard, so consider updating the flooring in areas of the house with carpet to a safer, slip-resistant flooring like tile or hardwood.
- Simplify the home: Too much clutter can confuse and overwhelm aging adults, so consider removing unnecessary items and streamlining the house.
- Create a safe outdoor space: A well-lit, properly maintained outdoor space can provide a relaxing and accessible space for aging adults to enjoy nature and fresh air.
Keeping aging adults safe and comfortable in their own homes requires effort and care, but it is a worthwhile investment in their quality of life. By taking these steps to safeguard the home, you can help ensure that your loved one can remain in their own home for years to come. You may also want to consider supplementing these tips with in home care. In-home care for elderly individuals is a type of care that is provided at home rather than in an institutional setting such as a nursing home. Services typically include companionship, assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, and grooming, as well as homemaking assistance such as meal preparation and light housekeeping. In-home care may also provide more specialized care such as assistance with medical care, medication management, and assistance with rehabilitation or physical therapy.
Do you need someone to walk you through the options and resources in your area?
At any point along your journey, please contact Advisors in Placement and we’ll help you navigate care and assisted living options with a straightforward, heart-centered approach.
