Aging is an inevitable part of life. As much as it would be great to enjoy everlasting youth, we all get old eventually, and with old age come all kinds of associated health problems. Some people are lucky enough to enjoy good health and mobility until the day they die, but the rest of us have to deal with increasing infirmity and difficulties getting around at home.
One way to tackle this problem is to move into a retirement complex that caters for people with mobility issues, but if you or your elderly relative would rather stay at home for as long as possible, there are plenty of ways to make a property more senior friendly – and here’s how.
Stair Lifts
Stairs are one of the biggest obstacles for an elderly person with mobility problems. It is very difficult to walk up and down stairs when you need a walking stick as a balance aid, and in some cases navigating stairs can be a real safety issue. One way to fix the problem is to install a stair lift or elevator. These make access to upper floors simple and safe, which is perfect for any senior who wants to stay living independently for as long as possible. There are lots of great products to choose from reputable suppliers such as home-elevator.net, but do make sure you pick an experienced installer.
Ground Floor Bedrooms
Another option worth considering if stairs are too difficult to negotiate and there is a bathroom on the ground floor, is to convert a downstairs room into a bedroom. Elderly people with mobility problems find it a lot easier when everything is on one level and within easy reach. It is a workable solution and one that is worth considering if you have an elderly parent moving into your home.
Bathroom Safety
Bathrooms are a real danger zone for seniors. A combination of water and slippery surfaces can soon lead to serious accidents, so it is a good idea to make a few adjustments in your bathroom. Grab rails are a must-have accessory, particularly around the bath or shower. In fact walk-in showers are actually more practical than baths, especially if you can install a seat in there. Elevated toilet seats with arm rests are also useful.
Ramps and Hand Rails
Grab rails are a useful accessory in other areas of the home. A handy grab rail positioned next to the front door will make it easier to enter and leave if there is a step to navigate. A ramp is also useful in this regard.
Home Alarms
One thing you should definitely install in a senior’s home is an alarm system. If an elderly person lives alone, they will have no way of alerting family or care workers in the event of a fall or similar. A home alarm will allow them to call for help at the press of a button – and if it is connected to an external monitoring station, help can be on hand extremely quickly.
With the right products, you or your elderly relative can stay at home for longer.
