It’s always a delightful experience to enter the home of a senior. Sometimes, it can be a look into their past, filled with happy reminders of a collection of memories and artifacts that speak to the aesthetic of their accomplished lives. A senior’s home environment can also be daunting, especially living alone. It’s important to assess the environment and set up a situation that permits their independence, with an assurance of safety.
The House
Taking a look at the house or domicile someone lives in can indicate so much about the level of safety in which they reside. Consider looking into the length of walkways, how many floors a house has, and including flights of stairs. These types of situations can put undue strain on an aging population. Look for ways to limit the usage of stairs and try to create a situation where most of their needs are met on a single level.
Think about the distance outside as well, and consider weather conditions and what reliefs you have in place should a weather event occur where clearing needs to occur (such as snow, ice, and debris like leaves).
Bathrooms
Bathrooms, by nature, accumulate moisture and thus can be slippery and unsafe. Assessing a bathroom is vital to an elder’s safety, and securing handles in a shower or placing a bath seat is helpful. Purchasing non-slip and quick-drying bathroom mats also helps avoid slips and falls. Assuring that the toilet has handles close by to assist with sitting and standing. Finally, ensure that the corners or vanities with pointed edges are covered in the event of a fall to limit impact and lacerations.
Kitchens
Setting up a kitchen situation is tricky because seniors have time to cook, and they often enjoy it and do it often! Knowing this, be sure to make sure all outlets and pilot lights are secured, whether a stove is gas or electric. Make sure the most used pots, pans, and instruments are easily available and within normal reach without stretching or requiring climbing on chairs, step stools, or ladders.
Providing a high stool with a back to sit on while cooking also limits standing and gives support. Make sure there is plenty of room around chairs and tables and that dishwashers and other appliances are functional, maintained, and used accordingly. Check all wiring and electrical outlets to ensure the draw on the power amps for the residence isn’t going to cause a shortage in the system or a loss of power.
Food is included in a kitchen, and frequent checks for expired perishables are necessary, as is accounting for items that are easier to open. If you find glass jars with tight lids, consider repurposing other food containers for easier accessibility. Avoid items that require can openers, and opt for peel tops and plastic.
Bedrooms, Living Rooms, and Dens
These areas have a similar quality in that they are designated areas for resting and occasional company. Checking the heights of a bed, couch, and chair helps to prevent potential falls. Additionally, look around for cocktail tables, snack tables, and other furniture that can be stumbled into. Assure pathways are clear, and be mindful of having places to offer support.
Technology
In today’s world, we have the ability to ensure that if there is an emergency, we can set it up so help can be provided immediately. Installing a device like an Amazon Alexa or Google Home with voice control can permit someone to call for help if needed. Also, medical alert systems that are Wi-Fi enabled can be designated and implemented in daily life. This gives a sense of safety and assurance, but most importantly, ease of communication. It’s not a comfortable situation, but knowing that it is set up makes those thoughts less fearsome.
Utah Senior Care Advisors provides you with the tools necessary to provide an at-home inventory to assure seniors are living happily in their forever homes with little worry about losing independence. Call or email us today to set up a consultation to discuss how we can help develop a wonderful and safe environment with one of our qualified specialists!