Do you have elderly parents or grandparents who regularly come round to stay? Or maybe they are coming to live you with permanently? Elderly people usually have slower reaction times and are far more likely to suffer from a fall or be seriously injured in the home. Therefore, it is important that we ensure that our homes are as safe as they possibly can be when we have elderly people living with us. Here, we are taking you through some of the key issues within your home that you will need to look into to ensure that your home is safe for your elder.
Rearrange Your Furniture
The way in which furniture can be positioned in a room can make it a hazard for those who are elderly. Simply rearranging your furniture is something quick and easy that you can do which will reduce the risk of trips and falls due to obstructions. Try and make sure that there are clear pathways within rooms that are wide enough to allow walking aids and wheelchairs to fit through. If you are looking for wheelchairs, check out Verellenhc. Having this adequate floorspace will make it easier for everyone to get around.
Add Grab Rails
Grab rails dotted throughout your home are a necessity when living with elderly people as they can often suffer from dizzy spells. This also gives them the freedom that they need to enjoy some privacy as it can help them to go to the toilet by themselves or use the shower which they otherwise may not have been able to do.
Update Your Bathroom
Whilst we are talking about handrails, there are lots of other ways in which you update your bathroom to make it friendlier to the elderly. Premier Bathrooms have written up some great advice which will help you to update your bathroom to suit your requirements. This includes adding a slip resistant shower tray to prevent falls, constructing a wide doorway to make it wheelchair accessible, ensuring that there is adequate lighting present and adding a shower seat for elderly folk who cannot stand up for long period of time. The bathroom is the main room in the home that can cause issues for elderly people and so it should be a priority when updating your home.
Install a Stairlift
Installing a stairlift is great for those who have mobility problems and if your elderly relative needs help accessing upstairs rooms then this could be the perfect option. Not only that, you may also want to think about replacing any steps that are the front or back of your home and placing a ramp there instead. This will help to reduce any risk of them falling over as they enter and leave the house and will provide them with the confidence that they need to help keep them safe and mobile.
Automatic Gas and Cooker Cut Offs
Many elderly people still love to cook and this also helps them to keep some of their independence. If you have an elderly person coming to stay with you, however, who has memory problems then you may be putting them, your family and your home at risk of a fire if they leave their cooking unattended or they forget to turn off appliances. There is also a risk that they may burn themselves on hot plates or running taps. Look into getting devices fitted onto your cooker or any gas powered equipment that will turn off automatically if it has been left unattended.
