What are some tips to improve health & safety of senior citizens at home?
Answers
1. Adequate lighting is essential to prevent falls.
If areas of the house are not well-lit, install additional lights or add lamps. Sound-activated lights or glow-in-the-dark switches may also be helpful. Place night lights in the bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, and hallways.
2. Avoid unnecessary clutter.
Arrange a clear route into a room. Move furniture so the path is completely clear and remove other barriers, such as electrical cords. Keep things such as shoes, books, and bags off the floor.
3. Check the carpet for bumps or wrinkles.
Make sure that tile or wood floors are not slippery. Do not use area rugs, which can slide. If you like to use them, restrain them with double-sided carpet tape, particularly around the edges.
4. Check the railings along staircases.
It would be ideal to have handrails on each side of the stairs. Place coloured or reflective tape at the top of each step to make them easier to see.
5. Keep items in lower cabinets, easily accessible.
If you need to reach a higher cabinet, use a reliable step stool with a rail for support.
6. Install grab bars in the bathroom, bathtub, and shower.
Place non-slip sticky strips or rubber mats on the tub or shower floor. Or install a walk-in bathtub to eliminate the necessity to climb in and out of the tub.
7. Install an easy access phone.
Place cordless phones in easy reach from the main living areas, bedroom, and kitchen, or carry a mobile phone with you. Keep emergency numbers on hand or program them into your phone. You can also wear a device that will call for help if you can’t get to the phone.
It’s advisable to move your bedroom and other frequently used places in the house to the ground floor to avoid using the stairs as much as possible. Otherwise, make sure sturdy handrails go all along the staircase and that the stairs are slip-proof.
Seniors often forget that something was placed where it was, and those with declining vision can bump into objects.
Seniors should not bend too low or stand on tiptoes to access cupboards. Getting a gripper can be helpful. Plus, installing motion sensor lights for nighttime trips to the bathroom is necessary.
Well, you can do a few simple things to keep the elderly safe at home. To make sure my grandfather was safe at his house, I did these:
• I made sure that his room had adequate lighting.
• Avoid unnecessary clutter, particularly on the floor.
• In the bathtub/shower, I installed textured and non-slip strips.
• Applied a non-slip wax to the flooring.
• I bought him a waterproof seat that he can use in the shower.
• Installed non-slip treads on the steps.
• I replaced his toilet seat with an elevated one.
Aside from that, you can hire a carer who will make sure they eat a nutritious and balanced meal. Also, remember to talk to your elderly loved ones daily, but don’t push it. They may have days when they prefer to be alone. So, remember to give them some room, too.
Here are three essential things I have done recently for my 70-year-old dad.
1. The most effective way to prevent falls is to have adequate lighting.
Install additional lighting or add lamps in dark areas of your home. Sound-activated lights or glow-in-the-dark switches can also help—light up the hallways, bathroom, kitchen, and bedroom at night.
2. Keep clutter to a minimum.
Make sure there is a clear path into a room. Remove any obstacles, such as electrical cords and furniture, so there is enough space for movement. Don’t leave shoes, bags, or books lying around.
3. Make sure the railings on staircases are secure.
Both sides of the stairs should have handrails. Consider placing coloured or reflective tape at the top of each step to help you see where you are going.
