As life evolves, the roles may shift, leading you to become a caregiver for an elderly parent or relative. This transition comes with a range of challenges, from navigating healthcare decisions to arranging living situations. Many seniors opt to age at home, enjoying the benefits of independence, familiarity, and community connections. However, when faced with medical and physical challenges like arthritis, stroke recovery, or cognitive decline, it is critical that safety and accessibility measures are implemented in the home.
Here are practical steps to organize and optimize a safe living space for an elderly or mobility-impaired loved one:
Prioritize Safety in High-Traffic Areas:
Entryway: Clear a pathway from the door, removing shoes, umbrellas, or other clutter that could obstruct entry or cause tripping hazards. Also ensure that outdoor pathways leading to the entrance are well-lit and free from obstacles.
Hallways: Ensure clear and easy movement with a walker or cane by removing loose rugs, electrical cords, boxes, or furniture blocking the way. Consider installing grab bars along hallways for added support.
Living Room: Arrange furniture to create spacious walkways and easy access to frequently used areas. Remove unnecessary furniture that might hinder movement, and if possible, opt for furniture with rounded edges to minimize bumps.
Kitchen: Organize drawers and cabinets to keep frequently used items within easy reach of seniors. Consider installing pull-out shelves or lazy Susan organizers for better reach. Clear countertops of clutter to allow for easy movement and to minimize the risk of spills. Ensure appliances are easily reachable and have easy-to-use controls.
Focus Safety in Specific Rooms:
Bathroom: Organize bathroom supplies within reach on shelves or shower caddies. Place non-slip mats in the bathtub or shower to prevent falls. Install grab bars next to the toilet, bathtub, and inside the shower stall for added support when entering and exiting.
Bedroom: Arrange furniture strategically to allow for easy movement around the bed and dresser, as well as to the door and bathroom. Consider replacing high beds with easier-to-access options if getting up and down is difficult. Remove clutter from the nightstand to keep essential items readily available.
General Safety
Lighting: Ensure proper lighting throughout the house, especially in hallways, stairways, and bathrooms. Consider nightlights for frequently used areas.
Flooring: Secure area rugs with double-sided rug tape or non-slip mats to prevent slipping. Consider removing unnecessary rugs altogether, especially in high-traffic areas.
Medication Management: Dispose of expired medications safely to avoid accidental ingestion. Set up a system for organizing and managing medications to ensure they are taken correctly and on time. Consider using pill organizers or medication reminder apps to help keep track of doses.
Remember:
Start small: Start small with a single room or category of items, then gradually adapt the home to meet evolving needs.
Collaboration: Involve the senior in the decluttering and decision-making process. Ask for their input on what to keep and what to discard. Always prioritize their comfort and familiarity when making adjustments.
Focus on functionality: Keep items the senior uses regularly and easily. Donate or discard items that are broken, unused, or no longer needed.
Be respectful of sentimental items: Work with the senior to find ways to keep cherished items without compromising safety.
Professional help: For seniors with significant mobility limitations or large amounts of clutter, consider hiring professional organizers who specialize in senior decluttering.
By implementing these safety and accessibility tips, you can create a safer living environment for your loved one while also respecting their independence, belongings and memories.
Need a Helping Hand? We have lots of experience creating safe and organized spaces for seniors. Let us help your loved one age comfortably at home. Contact us today!
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