Are you tired of cleaning your home to accommodate your loved one’s special needs? Do you feel lost on where to start with creating a senior-friendly home?
For most aging adults, having a senior friendly home is very important, especially if they suffer from incontinence, mobility problems, or dementia. With a disabled home, they will have more access to their essentials with little hassle.
Heading home to live with your parents is something that you will have to plan out before leaping. Below are some tips that can help you create the home that your loved one needs.
Redesign With Function in Mind
There are a few things to keep in mind when redesigning a home for aging adults. The first is to focus on functionality. This means creating a space that is easily navigable and free of obstacles. It also means having ample storage space.
Another important consideration is safety. This means installing grab bars in the bathroom and stair rails throughout the home. It also means making sure there are no trip hazards and that the home is well-insulated and free of pests.
Finally, it is important to create a space that is comfortable and inviting. This means choosing furniture and decor that is easy to use and maintain. It also means having plenty of comfortable seating and common areas for socializing.
Declutter and Minimize
As we age, it becomes more difficult to keep up with the maintenance of a home. This can be especially true if we downsize or live in a home that no longer meets our needs. Luckily, there are some easy ways to make different types of homes more senior-friendly.
One way to make a senior friendly home is to declutter and minimize. This can help us reduce the amount of time we spend cleaning and make it easier to find things we need. It can also make our homes safer, as there will be fewer trip hazards.
Another way to make our homes more senior-friendly is to make sure that they are well-lit. This can help us avoid falls and make it easier to see what we are doing. It is also important to have a home that is easy to navigate.
Home Safety
There are many things to consider when making your senior friendly home. The most important thing is safety. There are a few key areas to focus on when assessing the safety of your home.
Falls Are the Leading Cause of Injury in Seniors
One of the primary concerns for aging parents is falling and sustaining injuries. Falls are the leading cause of injury in seniors, and many of these injuries are preventable. Creating a senior friendly home can help to reduce the risk of falls and injuries.
Many simple changes can be made to a home to make it safer for aging adults. Some of these changes include installing grab bars in the bathroom, removing tripping hazards, and improving lighting. These can help seniors with difficulties especially those who are in Alzheimer’s in-home care.
Making these changes can help to reduce the risk of falls and improve the safety of aging adults in the home.
Medication Safety Is Also Crucial
The best way to reduce the risk of medication errors is to have an organized and up-to-date list of all the medications you or your loved one takes. Be sure to include over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and herbal remedies. Review the list with your doctor or pharmacist regularly.
Make sure all medications are clearly labeled and stored in a safe place, out of reach of children and pets. Keep track of when medications need to be refilled and set up reminders. Dispose of expired or unused medications properly.
Home Safety Means Fire Safety
When it comes to fire safety in the home, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First, make sure that all of your smoke detectors are in working order and that you have a fire extinguisher on hand. It’s also important to create an escape plan in case of a fire and to practice it with your family.
In addition, be sure to keep flammable items like matches and lighters out of reach of children. Lastly, make sure your home is equipped with a carbon monoxide detector.
Accessible Storage Options
As we get older, it becomes increasingly important to have a safe and accessible home. Storage options are a crucial part of this equation, as they can help reduce falls and provide easy access to important items. Here are some tips to create accessible storage in your home.
Install Shelves at an Appropriate Height
One key element is to install shelves at an appropriate height. This is often lower than what you might have in a standard home, and it’s important to take into account the needs of those who may be using a wheelchair or have other mobility limitations. With the right shelves in place, it’s easier for aging parents to stay independent and have everything they need within reach.
Use Clear Storage Containers
Using clear storage containers can be a big help. This will allow your aging parents to easily see what is inside and help to prevent them from accidentally grabbing the wrong thing. This will help you quickly identify what is inside and prevent items from getting lost in the back of a dark cabinet.
Label All Storage Containers
One of the most important things you can do is label all storage containers. This will help your loved ones to find what they need quickly and easily. Make sure to use bright, contrasting colors and large font sizes. You may also want to consider adding pictures or symbols to help with identification.
Think Outside the Box
With a little bit of creativity and out-of-the-box thinking, you can easily create a senior friendly home that will make everyday living much easier. There are many creative storage solutions available, so don’t be afraid to get creative. Wall-mounted racks, over-the-door organizers, and magnetic knife strips are just a few options.
Guide to Making a Senior Friendly Home Easy
If you’re looking for an easy guide to making a senior friendly home, this is the one for you. From small tweaks to big changes, this guide has everything you need to make your home safe and comfortable for your aging loved ones.
So what are you waiting for? Get started today and give your senior loved ones the home they deserve.
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