Our needs start to change as we age. For some people, this may require a change in scenery, especially if mobility issues prevent them from getting around their home. Seniors can particularly struggle when returning home after an illness or injury and the resulting stay in hospital. If they choose to continue their rehabilitation process at home rather than in a rehabilitative care facility, then you may need to adapt your home to meet their new needs.
Here are a few ways to adapt a home for senior living…
Grab rails
Grab rails situated around the home can help seniors move about freely while also preventing falls. They are commonly placed in the shower or bath to prevent slips, and next to the toilet to help seniors sit down and get up more easily. Grab rails can also help people in wheelchairs get around independently.
Stairlift
A single-story home is much easier for seniors to navigate, but if moving house isn’t an option, then you may need to install a stairlift so that they can get up and downstairs more easily.
Accessible bathing
Climbing in and out of a bath can be another challenge for seniors with low mobility. Walk-in showers or wet rooms are highly accessible as it continues on the same level as the bathroom floor. You can also place a seat inside the shower so you don’t have to stand up on it. You can also install a walk-in bath, which requires a much smaller step up to get into.
Remote technology
Remote controls for TVs were game changers at the time, but now you can control pretty much anything from where you’re sitting. This can be helpful for seniors with low mobility. If they get up in the night, switching lights on from a single device is safer than walking around in the dark to reach a light switch. An entry camera and smart doorbell can also let them speak to visitors at the door without getting up.
Here are some other smart devices that can help with senior living.
Non-slip flooring
Trips and falls are a common problem among seniors. A fall can be life-threatening, especially for seniors who live alone. Non-slip flooring with plenty of traction can help to prevent this. This type of flooring is particularly important in the bathroom and shower cubicle where floors get wet slippery.
Adapting their home could help seniors retain their independence for longer. But, if their needs escalate beyond this, then independent and assisted living at Bermuda Village is the next best option. Get in touch to find out more.
