Many seniors have medical conditions that need to be addressed in their homes in order to maintain their independence, comfort, and safety. A considerate approach to promoting their health and well-being is to adapt their house to meet their needs. With the help of home care providers and the support of loved ones, seniors can remain in their homes and thrive.
Arthritis and Mobility Problems
Seniors frequently experience arthritis and mobility issues, making it difficult for them to move around the house. The following small changes can have a big impact:
- Install Handrails and Grab Bars: Grab bars should be installed in showers, bathrooms, spaces next to toilets, hallways, and staircases. During installation, it’s important to also pay attention to the height so they are comfortable for seniors to use.
- Non-slip Flooring: If possible, replace slick flooring with non-slip options, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms. Also, loved ones should assess all the flooring to ensure it doesn’t create a tripping hazard and remove rugs.
- Elevated Furniture: Seniors with arthritis may find it easier to sit and stand up when using furniture with firm cushions and taller seats.
Vision Impairment
For seniors with visual issues, modifications should be made to lower the risk of accidents. That can be accomplished by making the following changes:
- High-Contrast Markings: Using high-contrast colors for the walls, floors, and furniture can make the home easier to navigate. One of the best ways to do this without using paint is to use contrasting tape. Additionally, for homes with stairs, tape can be applied to the edges to make them easier to see.
- Better Lighting: Home care providers can work with loved ones to make sure every space is well-lit, including the bathrooms, kitchen, hallways, and stairwells. It might also be a good idea to install motion-activated lights so seniors have the lighting when they need it most.
Hearing Issues
As with vision issues, hearing problems also cause problems for seniors who are aging in place. Some ideas for modifications to ensure they remain safe in the home are as follows:
- Install a Visual Alert System: These systems can be linked to telephones, smoke detectors, and doorbells. When activated, lights flash, alerting seniors when there is an issue.
- Amplification Devices: Working with the home care and audiology team, loved ones can gain knowledge about amplification devices that make it easier for seniors to hear in the home.
Chronic Pain
Seniors with chronic pain need to be as comfortable as possible, and most would prefer to reach a level of comfort without always needing to depend on medicine. With home care providers by their side, assessing where the biggest issues are, the following modifications might be suggested:
- Adjustable Beds: These beds make it easier for seniors to get in and out of bed. They can also make watching television, reading, or doing other activities in bed more comfortable. It’s important to choose beds that are easy to operate so seniors feel in control.
- Comfortable Seating: What is and isn’t comfortable will depend on each senior’s situation. Having home care services in place makes it easier to know what type of seating and where that seating should be placed based on seniors’ daily routines.
Adapting a home to suit seniors’ medical conditions can increase safety and improve their quality of life. With the help of home care providers and loved ones, spaces can be designed to give seniors everything they need.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care in East Lake, CA, please contact the caring staff at A Caring Touch Home Care today. Call (619) 344-0528
A Caring Touch Home Care is a Trusted Home Care Agency providing exceptional home care in Coronado, Del Mar/Del Mar Heights, Bonita, East Lake, La Jolla, Torrey Pines, Mt. Helix/La Mesa, Carlsbad, Oceanside, Carmel Ranch, Rancho Penasquitos, Point Loma, Rancho Santa Fe, San Diego and surrounding areas.
Sources:
- https://www.fivestarpainting.com/blog/2020/april/home-modifications-accommodations-for-seniors/
- https://www.assistedliving.org/home-modifications-for-seniors-aging-in-place/
- https://www.forbes.com/health/healthy-aging/aging-in-place-remodeling/
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