In 2024, there will be more adults in the later stages of life who are living independently at home.
This is great on the one hand, as it means that more people can live by themselves and engage in everyday life without the help of a care home. However, it also means that many people are having to make sure that their older relative has a home which is safe for them to live in. This means that making the average home accessible and safe for older people is a top priority.
So, how can you make a home safe for an older person to live in, whether by themselves or with younger family members? Here is a quick guide.
De-Clutter
One thing that can make a home uninhabitable or unsafe is clutter.
This is usually something that builds up over time and, as a person gets older and may begin to experience joint soreness and swelling, it can be harder to clear it up. If you or a loved one are living at home by themselves, and there is an accumulation of clutter, aim to get it cleared, especially on the upper floors and stairs. If you live too far away to help directly, there are options for home-based carers to offer assistance, so seek help from websites like Alinahomecare.com.
Prevent Falls
Of course, clutter isn’t the only hazard in the home that can cause falls.
With older people, the majority of falls happen in the bathroom and on the stairs, so try to make sure that these areas have a lot of grab rails and grip mats. It may even be worth ensuring that you or your loved one are attending classes at a doctor’s surgery, which can help to mobilise joints in the legs, which is indicated in a lot of falls in the home.
Keep Emergency Numbers To Hand
Many older people may struggle to remember phone numbers. Ergo, it makes sense to keep emergency numbers on hand and visible in the home. Some people opt to put up boards in each room, which is an easy way for someone to keep key numbers in plain sight. It may also be worth checking that your loved one has access to a mobile phone at all times or an emergency fall alarm, which can both be used to call for help should they fall.
Prevent Poisoning
Many people who have older relatives are surprised to learn that it is not uncommon for older people to be poisoned. Not maliciously, of course! In many cases, it can be due to mix-ups with medications or food that has not been cooked properly. Again, with both of these, a home helper can be invaluable, or if you live closer, you can help by setting out daily medication in boxes and making sure that your relative has access to food that is simple to cook. Indeed, since simple meal options like Hello Fresh have come onto the scene, more older people have been using them, thereby minimising the chances of gastric issues that could end with a hospital stay!
