Elder Care Tips For Creating a Safe Layout in Seniors’ Homes
Loved ones, with the support of the elder care team, can take steps to ensure seniors have a safe layout in their homes, reducing the risk of falls and allowing them the chance to continue living independently. To make a space safe for seniors, it’s important to consider their specific wants and challenges. In this blog, we’ll talk about this and some important ideas and tips for creating a safe and welcoming home.
Focus on Straight Paths
A clear path through the living area is one of the most important parts of a layout that is good for seniors. This means eliminating things like loose rugs, clutter, and extra furniture that could cause them to trip. In addition, seniors who use walkers or wheelchairs can benefit from these wider paths and not need to worry about how to get from point A to point B.
Flooring Is Important
For seniors’ safety, it is very important to choose the right flooring. Choose surfaces that won’t slip, like hardwood, laminate, or tiles. Avoid rugs with a lot of fluff on them that could cause someone to trip or don’t use them at all. If they are used, put double-sided tape or non-slip pads on them to keep seniors from tripping.
Add Lighting
Seniors need good light because their eyes may not be as good as they used to be. The elder care team and loved ones should ensure each room has enough natural light during the day and well-placed electric lights for the evening. They can also install motion-activated lights that turn on when someone walks by them in the halls and bathrooms to make it easier to get around at night.
Accessibility Features
Grab bars, shower benches, and higher toilet seats help seniors with mobility issues, but they’re also helpful in general. These improvements can make it much easier for them to stay safe and feel confident while living on their own. Also, it’s a good idea for the elder care team and loved ones to check these features occasionally to assess if they’re still in good working condition.
Focus on Easy Access
Seniors should be able to get to things they need every day without having to strain or risk falling. The elder care team and loved ones should focus on how to keep these things at waist height or within reach. If needed, they can lower the kitchen cabinets and shelves and add pull-out drawers and lazy susans.
Easy-to-use Furniture
Furniture with firm cushions and arms gives seniors more support when they have to get up and down. When shopping for furniture, loved ones should take seniors with them if possible so they can choose what pieces they like best.
Creating a safe layout for seniors is a labor of love that can make a big difference in their freedom and quality of life. By thinking about their individual needs and taking the steps above, loved ones and the home care team can make sure their living area is safe, comfortable, and beneficial for their overall health.
If you or someone you know needs help with elder care in Comstock Park, MI, contact Gauthier Family Home Care. We provide quality and affordable home care services in our community. Call us at (616) 258-2300 for more information.
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