How to Make Your Home Safe and Comfortable for an Elderly Loved One
As we grow older, our homes may no longer be as safe and comfortable as they once were. This can be especially true for elderly people who are ageing in a space once familiar to them but now riddled with hidden dangers. It’s often true that the tiniest improvements can make the biggest positive impact on a loved one’s life.
With our vast experience in elderly care, we understand the importance of implementing safety measures to help support those that we love that maybe growing older or more vulnerable due to illness.
Here’s a list of simple steps that you can follow to create a safe, comfortable living environment:
- Identify Potential Hazards
The initial stage in establishing a secure living environment is to recognise potential hazards. Loose rugs, clutter, steep stairs, and poor lighting are examples of hazardous items that could be dangerous for elderly individuals. Therefore, it’s critical to recognise and either remove these things or keep them securely to avoid injuries.
2. Make the Home Accessible
Making the home accessible is another important step in creating a safe living environment. Installing grab bars in the bathroom, removing tripping hazards, and making sure the home is well-lit can help make the home more accessible for an elderly person. Additionally, widening doorways and hallways, lowering shelves and countertops, and installing ramps or stairlifts can also improve accessibility for seniors with mobility issues. By taking these simple yet effective measures, elderly individuals can improve their mobility and help seniors navigate their homes effectively.
3. Create a Comfortable Living Space
Providing a comfortable living space is equally important in enhancing the overall well-being of the elderly. This can be achieved by furnishing the home with comfortable seating, ensuring easy access to necessities like water and snacks, and setting up a designated rest area. In addition to this, maintaining a comfortable temperature and good air quality can further contribute to a comfortable living environment.
4. Consider Assistive Technology
A more intuitive, smart can be built with assistive technology that not only enhances connectivity but aids overall wellbeing. In addition to medication dispensers, personal emergency response systems, and smart home devices, there are many other technological solutions available, such as mobility aids and communication devices. These can greatly enhance a senior’s quality of life by providing help right at their fingertips.
5. Involve Your Loved One
Involving the elderly person or vulnerable loved one in the process of creating a safe and comfortable living space can promote independence and provide a sense of control. Asking for their input and preferences can help ensure that their needs are met and that they feel comfortable in their own home. Onboarding a care assistant to help facilitate this can go a long way, especially if they can offer personalised care plans based on specific preferences and needs.
At Caremark Merton, we understand that creating a safe and comfortable living environment for elderly people is crucial for their wellbeing. Our well-trained and compassionate care assistants can provide support and assistance to help elderly people live independently in their own homes.
From live-in, companionship and light housekeeping to medication management and personal care, we offer a range of services to meet the specific needs of our customers. Get in touch with us to know more.