how to make your home senior friendly
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iCare Home Health Services Inc., 2275 Upper Middle Rd. E., Suite 101, Oakville
Ontario L6H 0C3, Telephone: (905) 491-6941, Email: [email protected],
Website: http://www.icarehomehealth.ca/
How to Make Your Home Senior Friendly
As people age, daily activities can become increasingly difficult and even the most
familiar places can bring about stress or injury. If you have seniors living with you
or often have elderly guests over, one of the safest and most thoughtful things you
can do is to make your home senior-friendly.
Here is a simple checklist for making your home a place that’s comfortable and
injury-free for your elderly visitors. And don’t worry, nothing on this list requires a
costly renovation – just a few simple things you can do around the house to make it
senior-friendly!
General Tips
Keep a clean and tidy house. Having a home with less clutter reduces the chance that someone will step or trip over items. Furthermore, many find
clutter stressful so try to keep your house clean and tidy to encourage a warm and welcoming environment.
Ensure that each room has adequate lighting. Place nightlights close to stairs
and in hallways so they’re visible in the dark. Have a telephone available in all the common rooms so that your senior
visitors can easily make phone calls in case of an emergency. Ensure that all staircases have handrails that can be used for support.
Install motion sensor lights by the front and back doors so visitors can easily make their way to and from your house at night.
Always have non-slip slippers available for guests and encourage elder
visitors to use them instead of walking around in socks. Avoids slips and falls by including non-slip mats inside and outside the bath
or shower. Include handheld showerheads for bathing, as they are easier to use than
traditional showerheads.
Install “grab bars” near toilets and bathtubs for added support when sitting down or getting in/out of the shower.
Consider adding a toilet seat raiser, which makes it easier for elders to sit down.
Replace twist knobs on sinks with faucets – this will make it easier for people
who have arthritis or general discomfort in their wrists and hands. Make it easier for elders to reach plates, cups, and food by placing them on
lower shelves.