If you or your loved one has made the decision to age gracefully at home, kudos to you! There are a few things to consider once this verdict has been reached, one is safety in the home. We wanted to share a few tips that can be very useful when remaining at home during the wonder years. There is a wide range of adjustments that can be made, some minor with no cost, some larger projects that will require an investment, either way these changes can really be lifesaving. Ultimately safety in the home is of utmost importance. Taking precaution early will help prevent injuries. Taking these steps allows for the senior to remain safe, comfortable and offers opportunity for better quality of life. Check out this list The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development reported. It consists of the top 11 adjustments most often installed in a senior’s home.
1. Levered doorknobs
2. Grab bars in bathrooms
3. Levered faucets in kitchen sink
4. Handrails on both sides of stairwells and on front and rear steps
5. Grab bars in showers
6. Removal of any door threshold
7. Movable shower heads for those who must sit
8. Portable shower seats
9. A bathroom with a bath/shower and a bedroom on the first floor
10. Widened doors to accommodate wheelchairs
11. Ramps for those using walkers and wheelchairs
There are many other suggestions that one can read about in The Consumer’s Guide to Home Safety for Senior’s. Below is a link, please look through it. Find out what you are already doing correctly, or where you need to make some changes. Staying safe at home is a key element in the ability to age in your home.
http://www.csa.us/docs/HomeSafetyforSeniorsGuide.pdf
We hope this information helps!
-Georgetown Home Care