Elderly Care at Home: 5 Tips to Make Your Home Age-Friendly

In an era where the comfort of familiar surroundings takes precedence during our twilight years, understanding how to adapt your home for Elderly Care at Home is becoming a crucial topic. A few modifications to your environment can significantly improve the safety and comfort of our ageing loved ones. This blog post will delve into five essential tips to make your home age-friendly, safe, and supportive of your loved ones’ needs.

1. Enhance Accessibility

The cornerstone of creating an age-friendly home for elderly care is ensuring that all areas are easily accessible. Begin by de-cluttering rooms, hallways, and stairways to create unobstructed pathways. Reposition furniture to prevent accidents and provide more room for movement, particularly for those using walkers or wheelchairs.
Do not overlook details like the type of doorknobs in your home. Lever-style door handles are much easier to operate for individuals with arthritis or limited hand strength. For those with mobility issues, installing ramps at entrances and exits can be a great help. The key is to eliminate any barriers that might hinder mobility.

2. Reinforce Bathroom Safety

Bathrooms can be particularly dangerous for the elderly due to the high risk of slips and falls on slippery surfaces. If possible, replace traditional tubs with walk-in showers, which are safer and easier to use. Installing grab bars in the shower, by the toilet, and along the walls can provide additional support.
Consider adding a shower seat for a safer, more comfortable bathing experience. Non-slip mats are a must to prevent accidents, while raised toilet seats can make sitting down and standing up easier. Don’t forget about the importance of lighting; a well-lit bathroom reduces the risk of accidents.

3. Boost Lighting in the Home

As we age, our vision naturally declines. This makes adequate lighting throughout the home an essential aspect of elderly care. You may need to install additional light fixtures or replace existing bulbs with brighter ones, particularly in areas like hallways, stairways, and reading spots.
Touch or motion-sensor lights are beneficial for nighttime use, reducing the need to search for switches in the dark. If you’re interested in learning more about the importance of proper lighting in elderly care, check out this comprehensive research article from the National Center for Biotechnology Information.

4. Modify the Kitchen for Safety and Convenience

The kitchen is another critical area to consider when planning for elderly care at home. Lowering cabinets and worktops can make them more accessible for those with mobility issues.
Incorporating pull-out shelves in the cabinets makes it easier to access stored items, eliminating the need to reach deep into spaces. Installing automatic shut-off devices for ovens and stoves can prevent potential mishaps due to forgetfulness. Faucets with lever handles are much easier to operate for those with weaker grips.

5. Foster Physical Activity

Physical activity plays a vital role in maintaining overall health as we age. In a home designed for elderly care, it’s important to encourage regular, gentle exercise. Consider setting up a safe, easily navigable walking path in the garden or around the house.
Exercise equipment like resistance bands or stationary bikes can be introduced based on the person’s ability and medical advice. This not only aids in their physical health but also contributes to emotional wellbeing, maintaining a routine and a sense of purpose.

Additional Considerations for Age-Friendly Homes

While the above tips focus on the main areas of the home, don’t overlook smaller details. Flooring, for example, should be non-slip and easy to walk on, with carpets securely fastened to prevent tripping.
Moreover, it’s essential to maintain a comfortable temperature in the home. Older people are more susceptible to heat and cold due to physiological changes associated with aging. Installing a programmable thermostat can help regulate temperature and ensure comfort.

Emergency systems are another critical aspect of elderly care at home. Installing easily accessible panic buttons and maintaining a list of emergency contact numbers can be lifesavers in a crisis situation. Regularly checking and replacing batteries in smoke detectors is also paramount.

Embracing the Emotional Aspects of Care

Making a home age-friendly isn’t just about the physical modifications; it’s equally about emotional comfort and wellbeing. Be patient and supportive during the transition process. Emphasise the benefits of the changes and assure your loved ones that these measures are taken to maintain their independence and improve their quality of life.
Regular communication is crucial to understand their needs and adjust the environment accordingly. Involve them in decision-making as much as possible, and respect their preferences and routines.

Creating an age-friendly home involves considering every aspect of the living environment and adapting it to fit the needs of the elderly. It might seem daunting at first, but with these practical tips, it is entirely achievable.

Remember, elderly care at home is about enabling your loved ones to live their lives with dignity and independence in a safe, comfortable environment. And that is the greatest gift you can give them.