Steps to Make Your Older Loved One's Home Safer

Introduction

As we age, the possibility of an accident or a fall in and around the home increases, and many people over 60 are adamant they want to continue living in their own home.

The problem is, most houses are not built with older people and their safety in mind, therefore we have put together some simple ways in which you can improve the safety of your older relative's home.

Making a few changes around the house can mean that your loved one can stay in their own home for longer and continue to live independently.

Accessibility

Firstly, ask your relative which items are most commonly used. This typically includes things like medicines, mugs and plates. Include the fridge and its shelves when inspecting the kitchen, as fridges tend to be quite tall. You want to eliminate the need of a step ladder or over reaching to get to any bits and pieces. Items should be placed within waist and chest height for an easy reach.

Replace round door knobs with handles, as they are much easier to grasp and turn. In the circumstance where your relative uses a walking aid, rearranging the furniture in rooms can be extremely helpful, so that they are able to move around more easily. Changing rooms altogether may be beneficial to your loved one if they suffer mobility issues, such as converting an understairs closet to a downstairs toilet for easier use. In this case, they may be better moving the bedroom downstairs if space provides.

Eliminate the risk of trips and falls

The typical things around the home we wouldn’t normally be concerned about can become a big risk to an older relative with vision impairment or mobility issues.

Ensure floors and walkways are clear from any clutter, removing anything that may pose a risk of a trip, including cables, rugs with turned corners or strip the home from rugs altogether.

For items that are likely to topple over like tables and cabinets, if possible secure these items to the wall.

For more ways to eliminate risks see our previous post - Handy Steps to Reduce Your Risk of a Fall

Home Modifications

When an older relative's mobility begins to deteriorate, aids around the home can help your loved one stay independent in their everyday activities. There are a wide range of assisted living aids available from DIY stores like Screwfix and B&Q.

Aids that can be particularly helpful are:

• Grab rails for bathroom support
• Access ramps
• Rubber mats
• Shower seats

Coded key-safes are useful placed by the front door to store a spare set of keys for career or relative visits and in emergencies.

A smart doorbell is an effective device, as your loved one can see and speak to the visitor without having to get up and walk to the door. This also has the added benefit of deterring thieves and door step scammers!

Safety Checks

Ensure all devices are working in the house, such as smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, ensuring that they are fitted in the right places.

Most, if not all fire and rescue services offer what is commonly known as a Safe and Well visit, also known as Home Fire Risk Assessments or Home Fire Safety Checks.

You can find out more information and what these visits entail from this website: www.fireservice.co.uk/safety/

Check all light bulbs are working, and install night lights leading to the bathroom and at the top of the stairs. Motion sensor or smart lights can be installed in rooms to replace the pull cords that can become hard to operate.

Place emergency telephone numbers on sticky notes and place by the home telephones. You can even attach to the back of their mobile device so they have it on hand anytime.

Additional support

If keeping on top of housework and daily tasks has become too much for your loved one, a home carer can offer support to help unload the burden. There are many services a care agency offers to individuals to assist in keeping their household a safe, tidy and clean environment. To name just a few:

• Medication Prompts
• Household Cleaning
• Meal Preparation
• Running Errands
• Support with Mobility

At CareYourWay, our kind and compassionate teams offer the support your loved one requires to remain happy and independent within their own home.

If you would like to know more regarding our Home Care and Live-In Care services we offer, then please do not hesitate and call to speak with one of our friendly team on 01548 521789, or get in touch via our Contact Us page.