How to make your Home Senior Friendly

Eight years ago this month we got the news that nobody want s to hear – my mum had been diagnosed with cancer. Over the next year she was in and out of hospital and got increasingly frail, and as a result she spent long periods staying with us. At the same time, my father had suffered a series of strokes and had started to use a walking frame full-time. He was also beginning to develop dementia

As a family we were a long way past the baby proofing stage, but we had to make some adjustments to our home in order to cater for my parents suddenly altered needs.

Making your home senior-friendly doesn’t have to be a difficult task. In fact, there are many small things you can do to make your home more comfortable and accommodating for ageing loved ones, whether they are just visiting or whether they are moving in with you. This blog post will discuss some of the most important ways to make your home senior-friendly.

Safety first on the stairs

Make sure all stairways have handrails and are well-lit: Stairways can be dangerous for seniors, especially if they are not well-lit or do not have handrails. If you have stairs in your home, make sure they are well-lit and that there is a handrail on each side.

In our house the bathroom is at the top of the stairs. If frail or confused seniors are spending the night with you and they use the bathroom at night, you might want to consider a stairgate to stop them from falling down in the dark

Remove any throw rugs or loose carpets:

Throw rugs and loose carpets can be a tripping hazard for seniors. If you have any of these in your home, make sure to remove them or secure them down so they cannot be easily lifted up.

Keep pathways clear:

Clutter in hallways and other walking areas can also be a trip hazard for seniors. If they use a walking frame they will wanto all of the places they walk to be as wide as possible. Make sure all pathways in your home are clear of any clutter so that seniors can move around safely.

Install grab bars in the bathroom:

Grab bars can provide much-needed support for seniors when using the toilet. Grab bars will also help prevent seniors from slipping and falling in the shower. I must admit this is one of the changes we made that I kept after my parents had passed – I absolutely love the grab rail for getting into and out of the bathtub.

It is also possible to get armrests for the toilet to help someone with sore joints to stand up and sit down more easily.

Use non-slip mats in the bathroom:

Non-slip mats can be placed in the bathtub or shower to help prevent seniors from slipping. These mats will help keep seniors safe while bathing. Non-slip mats can also be placed in other areas of the home where seniors may walk, such as in the kitchen near the sink.

Install night lights:

Night lights can help seniors see where they are walking at night. This will help prevent falls and make it easier for seniors to get around in the dark.

Keep a first-aid kit handy:

A first-aid kit is a must-have in any home, but it is especially important for homes with seniors. Make sure your kit includes items such as bandages, pain relievers, and antiseptic wipes.

Making your home senior-friendly doesn’t have to be difficult. By making a few small changes, you can make your home more comfortable and accommodating for ageing loved ones.

Make sure all medications are clearly labelled and stored out of reach:

Medications should be clearly labelled and stored out of reach of seniors. This will help prevent accidental overdoses and ensure that seniors are taking the correct medications. Make yourself a list of exactly what needs to be taken by whom and when.

Keep a list of emergency numbers handy:

It is important to keep a list of emergency numbers near the phone in case of an emergency. This will help seniors get the help they need quickly in case of an accident or medical emergency.

Install a lift and /or stairlift:

If your home has stairs, consider installing a lift or stairlift. This will help seniors get up and down the stairs safely without having to worry about falling. Make sure to use professionals for your lift maintenance and installation.

Have your home checked for safety hazards:

It is a good idea to have your home checked for any safety hazards by a professional. This will help you identify any potential dangers in your home and make the necessary changes to make your home safe for seniors.

Staying active:

Encouraging seniors to stay active is important for their overall health and well-being. There are many ways to encourage seniors to stay active, such as taking a walk around the block or joining a local senior centre.

Have an emergency plan:

It is important to have an emergency plan in place in case of an accident or medical emergency. This plan should include who to call, where to go, and what to do.

Check-in with seniors regularly:

Checking in on seniors is essential to make sure they are safe and healthy. This can be done by calling them on the phone, visiting them in person, or sending them a card or letter.