Dr. Eboni Green
July 3, 2021
For some, elders moving into a long-term care facility or assisted living facility is out of the question, and although others will see accessing care in a facility as an ideal solution, based on their care needs. Most individuals prefer to stay in their own homes. This is especially true if your loved one is in good health and does not need support with Activities of Daily Living (ADL’s). However, as a caregiver you will want to determine all that will be needed to ensure that where you loved one lives at is a safe place. Here are some things that may need to be considered:
As we get older, our bodies age over time – sometimes a lot – and this can affect your eyesight, hearing, balance, and muscle strength. Sometimes changes occur because of a chronic condition and other times they might be attributed to a medication side effect. Whatever the reason, some elders are unsteady on their feet and are at an increased risk for falls. This is concerning, particularly if a senior person were to fall, because as you age, bones are much more brittle than younger people, and therefore break more easily – and mend much more slowly.
It is a good idea to remove as many fall hazards as possible throughout the home and put in measures to increase stability around the home. Electrical cords should be neatly tucked away, and baskets can be used to keep belongings. Handles and rails can be installed around the house, and you can also suggest that slip resistant shoes be worn. Walk around the house, be objective about any potential dangers, and then fix the issues before they become dangerous.
An elder’s vision might be diminished so low lighting might not have presented an issue in the past; it could become a risk for falls. Perhaps it might be time to install nightlights or specially designed motion-activated lighting to prevent hazards with getting into the bathroom or downstairs in the dark.
If your loved one reads or has hobbies that require a light, installing a brighter bulb might help them enjoy their hobbies. You will want to make sure that there are plenty of light switches as one light switch at the wrong end of a long corridor might increase your loved one’s risk for falls.
Something that can be a serious hazard for seniors is having to climb to reach items store in tall cupboards or at high levels. To prevent anyone having to reach or climb, install lower-level storage. Changing the location of the cupboards might be confusing at first, however making this adjustment can prevent serious accidents.
By making minor adjustment to the home, you have the opportunity to improve your loved one’s safety and possibly increase their independence long-term.
