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Making a home safe for aging parents can be challenging. You want to ensure that they are able to live comfortably in their home. But you also need to make sure that it is safe for them. In this article, we will discuss how to make your home safe for seniors with limited mobility. We will also provide some helpful tips on how to improve your home. Read how to make your place more comfortable for your aging parents.
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Making a home safe for aging parents can be challenging. You want to ensure that they are able to live comfortably in their home. But you also need to make sure that it is safe for them. In this article, we will discuss how to make your home safe for seniors with limited mobility. We will also provide some helpful tips on how to improve your home. Read how to make your place more comfortable for your aging parents.
Seniors with limited mobility will find it difficult to get around the house. They might also need more help moving from one place to another, even in their own home. The best thing you can do is make your home wheelchair-friendly. Shop mobility wheelchairs and consult a professional about which type of wheelchair is best for in-home care.
To begin with, you should clear all the clutter out of hallways and doorways throughout the house. This will give them plenty of space to move about freely. So they don’t worry about tripping over something. Or bumping into things that could fall on them and cause injuries. You’ll also want sure that entrances are wide enough. So they can get through without hassle. As well as maneuver easily inside each room once inside (especially bedrooms).
Doors should open outward rather than inward. So there’s no need to twist the body in order to get through. And make sure there’s a good amount of space on either side of the door. So they can comfortably open it with their hands. If your home has any staircases, you’ll want to install a railing for safety purposes. As well as adding bright lighting throughout the house. So aging parents can see clearly where they’re going no matter what time of day or night it is.
If you have stairs leading into your home, consider installing a ramp instead. This will make it easier for aging people to get around. Make sure the ramp is well lit and has a non-slip surface.
There are some simple things you can do to make your home safer for seniors with limited mobility. For example, adding grab bars and handheld shower heads to showers and bathtubs will help prevent falls in the bathroom. You should also ensure that all rugs have non-slip backing on them. So they don’t slide around when walked on by an aging adult. Especially for those seniors who may be unsteady or unsure of their footing.
It’s important not only what you put inside your refrigerator. But how it looks like from the outside as well. This way, aging parents won’t get confused with its contents and find what they need easily. Place all the items in cabinets and drawers that they would use on a daily basis. Within their reach, so they won’t have to strain themselves reaching for something high up or too far away.
You might also want to consider getting rid of any breakable items in the kitchen. That could easily fall and cause injury if knocked over by mistake. Replace them with plastic storage containers that are less likely to shatter when hit accidentally.
When aging parents live with you, the bedroom can easily become a hazard for them. It’s important to make your home safe for aging parents by making some changes in this room. Here are a few tips on how you can improve its safety.
Your aging parent may need an elevated bed or use a walker. In this case, consider using that type of mattress and frame instead of the traditional ones. This way they won’t have to lift themselves up too high when getting out of bed. So they won’t strain their muscles. They will also be able to move around more easily inside the bedroom. If they use such equipment regularly already at home with you. If it is not possible, get low-to-the-ground mattresses. It will be easier for seniors to get in and out of bed.
Another thing you can do is install grab bars next to the toilet, shower, and sink. As falling is one of the most common injuries, you should prevent an accident. Senior-friendly grab bars will give your parents a place to hold onto. This will help them stay stable while they are using the facilities.
Change the light switches so they are at an easily reachable height. Install nightlights in all the rooms aging parents are likely to use at night-time (e.g., bedroom, bathroom). Make sure there’s enough natural light during the day by cleaning all of your windows.
Remember to use a consistent color scheme throughout the house. Especially if aging parents have poor eyesight. When you choose colors for walls and furniture, stay away from bright or dark ones. They can be hard on aging people’s eyes. The best colors to use are soft, subtle shades.
This isn’t an exhaustive list by any means, but these are some essential home improvements. They will help make your aging parents feel safe and comfortable in their own home. Consider improving your home so your seniors with limited mobility could move around with no stress.
