Aging in place is a goal for many seniors who want to spend their later years in the comfort of their own homes, surrounded by memories and familiarity. With the right adjustments, this dream can become a reality—even for seniors who may need additional support. Whether it’s making simple home modifications or enlisting the help of 24-hour home care, there are many ways to ensure your loved one can age in place safely and comfortably.
Four First Steps to Take to Make the Home More Accommodating
You want your loved one to age in place safely and comfortably, with full access to their home. Without proper updates or safety features, they risk injury or added stress. That’s why it’s important to assess their living situation carefully and, in some cases, consider options like 24-hour home care for additional support.
Spend time with your loved one to understand how they navigate their home. For instance, they might say the stairs are fine, but you notice they’re dimly lit and hard to see. Or you might observe they struggle to reach the door in time when the doorbell rings. Use these observations to guide necessary updates that will enhance their safety and comfort—and don’t forget that 24-hour home care can provide peace of mind and added assistance when needed.
Make All Stairs Safe
This is the time to ensure that all hand railings are secure and cover the entire length of each staircase. Even if there are just 2-3 stairs, having a hand railing can prevent your loved one from falling if her footing is off. Remember to review stairs both inside and outside of the home.
Create Smart Lighting
Elderly individuals often have trouble seeing in dim places. Make sure all areas of the home are well-lit, and install some smart lighting that is motion-activated or light-sensitive so that your loved one doesn’t have to worry about turning on the lights. Smart lights can also be turned on and off by voice or from a device, making it easier for your loved one to adjust the lighting without having to get up.
Update the Bathrooms
The tub and shower can be one of the most dangerous areas for falls. Install non-slip mats and think about having a shower chair if your loved one likes showers. Also, add grab bars in that area. A soap dish or shampoo shelf is not sturdy enough if she needs extra support.
Rearrange Important Items
If your loved one routinely uses or needs something, make sure it’s within reach so that she can avoid stretching too far or using ladders to get what she wants.
When to Consider 24-hour Home Care
If your loved one has medical or mobility issues that require someone to always be there to help, she can still age in place with the help of a 24-hour home care team. With 24-hour home care, they don’t reside in the home with your loved one but instead work in shifts to help her 24 hours a day.
Because they provide care around the clock, a 24-hour home care provider will always be available and awake when your loved one needs assistance. With that kind of care, your loved one can continue to age in place in her home, and you can rest assured that your loved one is always cared for and kept safe.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring 24-Hour Home Care in Danville, CA, contact the friendly staff at Home Care Professionals today.
Call (866)-940-4855
