6 Tips for Making Your Home Fall-Proof for an Older Loved One

By 9  am on

Making Your Home Fall-Proof for an Older Loved One in cecalgary, CA

If an elderly relative has recently come to live with you, you’ll quickly realize there are a few basic changes you need to make around the house to better accommodate his or her needs. Start with these tips.

1. Rearrange Living Spaces to Suit Your Loved One’s Needs

When you have a loved one living with you, try to make an arrangement so his or her bedroom, bathroom, and primary living area are all located on one floor. Some families have their loved ones live in basement suites, while others redesign dens or office spaces near bathrooms for easier access. If possible, have the laundry room on the same level as well.

Hiring a professional caregiver is another way to increase your loved one’s safety in the home. Maintaining a high quality of life can be challenging for some seniors, but professional caregivers can help them obtain this goal. Families can trust homecare services experts to help their elderly loved ones focus on lifestyle choices that increase the chances of living a longer and healthier life.

2. Make Useful Objects Readily Available

Keep small everyday objects, such as remote controls, newspapers, and shoes, easily accessible for your loved one. Place objects at hip level or in a tray on an end table so your loved one doesn’t have to reach up to get items he or she needs. In addition, move the living room, dining room, and hallway furniture so there’s ample room to move around.

3. Use Nonskid Mats & Rugs

To prevent slippage, use nonskid mats and area rugs on hardwood and laminate surfaces. Make sure you tape the edges down to prevent a potential tripping hazard. 

Hiring a professional caregiver is one of the best ways to enhance your parent’s safety at home. Although it may be challenging to find reliable, highly rated homecare, Calgary, AB, families can turn to Home Care Assistance. Our respite and live-in caregivers are expertly trained to assist seniors with a wide array of important tasks, including cooking, bathing, light housekeeping, and exercise.

4. Pay Special Attention to the Bathroom

Bathrooms are full of potential safety hazards, since slick floors make it more likely for a senior to fall. Place nonskid rugs and mats on tile floors and in the bathtub, install grab handles in the shower and by the toilet, and mark the faucets with bright colors so your loved one can easily recognize the hot and cold handles.

5. Set Up More Lamps & Night-Lights

Adding extra lighting in the home can help your loved one move from room to room with ease and reduce his or her risk of slips and falls. The home should have plenty of light bulbs installed throughout the property, especially in bedrooms and hallways. To make the lighting system easier to control, you can install remote light switches that turn on and off when your parent claps his or her hands. Plugging in motion sensor night-lights around the house, such as in hallways and common areas, can also guide your loved one if he or she is up and about during the night.

6. Remove Clutter

Blocked pathways increase the risk of fall-related injuries. When navigating through cluttered spaces, seniors might trip, fall, and become injured. Families should consider eliminating unnecessary clutter indoors. Arrange the furniture in ways that ensure doorways aren’t blocked. Furniture should be placed in areas of the home where seniors won’t bump into the items or trip over the décor.

One of the most important aspects of making the home safe for your loved one is hiring a professional caregiver who can keep a watchful eye on him or her, assist with daily tasks, and significantly reduce the risk of falls and injuries. If your senior loved one needs hourly or live-in care, Calgary Home Care Assistance can help. Our caregivers can assist with exercise and mobility, prepare nutritious meals, provide timely medication reminders, and help with a wide array of other important daily tasks. If you need compassionate, professional home care for your loved one, call one of our friendly Care Managers today at 403-301-3777.

Request Free Information or Schedule a Free in-Home Consultation



X