As our loved ones age, their homes can become less easy to live in. While this doesn’t mean a move is on the cards quite yet, there’s a lot family and caregivers can do to help make a space more senior and disability friendly. Here are some tips from assisted living specialists in Monmouth County, NJ.
- De-clutter throughout the house: Stacks of old newspapers or magazines, too much and oversized-furniture and other clutter pose immediate hazards for the elderly. Keeping rooms, staircases and hallways tidy and as open as possible will give your loved one space to move freely, even with a walker and prevent collisions, as well as injuries from falling items.
- Install good lighting – and lots of it: While failing eyesight could be a part of getting older, making your loved one’s home brighter is important for preventing falls – especially in hallways and on staircases. Nightlights installed by the bed quickly and easily light a bedroom without having to get up first in the dark.
- Remove or repair all tripping hazards: Loose rugs, slippery floors, electrical cables on the floor and damaged floorboards can easily result in a fall. You can either repair the item or remove it from the home and replace it with something secure and safe to walk on.
- Handrails in the bathroom and on stairs: Getting up quickly, walking down stairs or moving while wet can result in falls even when you are there to assist your loved one. Installing handrails or grab bars strategically in bathrooms and on stairs helps your loved one keep their balance.
- Install non-slip mats in bathrooms and kitchens: In addition to grab bars, placing non-slip mats in bathtubs and showers gives your loved one extra grip when bathing. This also applies to kitchen floors and tiled/smooth-surfaced outdoor areas that can get wet.
- Get clothing fitted correctly: You may think that your loved one’s home is all that needs fall-proofing, but trousers and skirts that are too long also pose a serious tripping hazard. Check the soles of your loved one’s shoes for wear that can reduce their grip. If your loved one likes wearing socks indoors, buy non-slip socks with grips on the bottom.
Compassionate companionship at our Monmouth County assisted living facility (H2)
United Methodist Communities at Francis Asbury is a beautiful and comfortable long term care and assisted living community serving Monmouth County, NJ. Our dedicated and compassionate staff help our residents through their daily living activities and provide professional medical care support, all in a spacious, private residential setting.
To find out more about our individualized assisted living services and our assisted living facility, please contact us today and schedule a visit.
Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/make-disability-friendly-space/
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