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As your parents get older, ensuring their home is a safe and comfortable space becomes a top priority. A few simple modifications can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and help them maintain their independence for longer. This guide outlines practical steps you can take to create a safer living environment for your aging loved ones.
Minimize Fall Risks
Falls are one of the most common causes of injury for seniors. You can make your home much safer by identifying and addressing potential fall hazards.
- Clear the floors – Remove clutter, electrical cords, and loose rugs from walkways. Secure the edges of area rugs with double-sided tape or nonslip mats.
- Improve lighting – Ensure all rooms, hallways, and staircases are well lit. Use nightlights in bedrooms, bathrooms, and hallways to make nighttime navigation safer.
- Secure stairs – Install sturdy handrails on both sides of staircases. Apply nonslip treads to wooden stairs to provide better grip.
In the golden years, it’s easier to maintain a high quality of life in a senior-friendly home. Many older adults are choosing to age in place, and some need a helping hand to continue living at home safely and comfortably. Luckily, there is professional home care Oklahoma City seniors can trust and rely on.
Increase Bathroom Safety
The bathroom can be a particularly hazardous area due to wet and slippery surfaces. Installing specific safety features can make a significant difference.
- Install grab bars – Place grab bars near the toilet and inside the shower or tub. These provide crucial support when sitting, standing, or moving around.
- Use nonslip mats – Place nonslip mats or decals inside the bathtub and on the bathroom floor to prevent slips.
- Consider a shower chair – A sturdy shower chair or bench allows for safe and comfortable bathing while seated, reducing the risk of falling. A raised toilet seat can also make it easier to sit down and stand up.
Make the Kitchen More Accessible
A few adjustments in the kitchen can make daily tasks like cooking and cleaning safer and less strenuous for seniors.
- Organize for easy access – Store frequently used items, such as dishes, pots, and food, on lower shelves or countertops to avoid the need for reaching or using a step stool.
- Check appliance safety – Ensure all kitchen appliances are in good working order. Consider models with automatic shutoff features, such as coffee makers and irons, to prevent accidents.
- Increase visibility – Use under-cabinet lighting to illuminate work surfaces, making it easier to see while preparing food and reducing the risk of cuts or burns.
If you have a loved one who is experiencing cognitive decline due to dementia, he or she may need to be supervised in order to use the kitchen safely. Aging in place can present a few challenges for seniors living with dementia. However, they can still live independently at home with the help of professional dementia care Oklahoma City families can rely on. Lifestar Home Care can provide their elderly loved ones with mental and social stimulation, timely medication reminders, assistance with meal prep, and much more. Our caregivers are available around the clock to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life.
Prepare for Emergencies
Having a plan in place for emergencies is crucial for peace of mind. Easy access to help can be lifesaving in a critical situation.
- Keep emergency contacts visible – Post a list of important phone numbers—including family members, doctors, and emergency services—in a central location like on the refrigerator.
- Consider a medical alert system – A personal emergency response system, often worn as a necklace or wristband, allows your parents to call for help with the push of a button.
- Install safety devices – Ensure smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are installed and have fresh batteries. A fire extinguisher should also be readily accessible in the kitchen.
Certain age-related conditions can make it more challenging for seniors to age in place safely and comfortably, but Oklahoma City live-in care experts are available around the clock to help seniors manage their health. Whether your loved one is living with dementia or recovering from a stroke, you can trust the professional caregivers from Lifestar Home Care to enhance his or her quality of life. If you need professional home care for your loved one, our Care Managers are just a phone call away. Reach out to Lifestar Home Care today.
