Modern seniors prefer to spend their retirement independently in their homes as they feel more comfortable in a familiar neighbourhood. Though it sounds like a comfortable choice, is it safe? The word safe doesn’t limit the possibility of intruders but the home infrastructure. Falls and burns are the most common mishaps the elderly face. Is your home safe-proof for seniors? You have to remodel your house to make it senior citizen friendly.
Some people may not be in a position to afford luxury old age homes in Chennai. Altering the house can be cost-effective and affordable. If you are worried about your parents living alone, stay with us for safety tips.
Emergency numbers
Aged people get panicked at an emergency and find it hard to search for contact numbers on mobile. So print all the emergency numbers in a large font and stick them in a visible place. Including the contact details of family members and medical professionals is recommended. Also, keep your medical files and medicines in a place that is easy to reach.
Prevent falls
Usually, vision gets blurred as a person ages, and this causes them to stumble or fall. Medications also cause lightheadedness and dizziness causing momentary loss of balance. Since the fracture or injuries from falls are dangerous, here are some tips to avoid falling
- Do not rush to attend the door or phone. Whoever it might be, let the person on the other side wait. Take your time and slowly reach for the door or phone.
- If your floor is slippery, then consider throwing a rug. A point to note is to check if the carpet does slip or move.
- Make sure your floor is not wet.
Fire hazard:
Not only elders but everyone has to be conscious of fire hazards. Elders cannot move swiftly, so ensure additional care. Most senior citizen apartments in Chennai are installed with smoke and fire detectors. Confirm if they are installed in every room, and changing their battery whenever required is appreciable. Avoid curtains in the kitchen and abstain from wearing long sleeves while cooking.
Safety measures in the bathroom
The elderly often slip in the bathroom as it is wet. Adding grab bars in the bathroom will come to their rescue while taking a shower. Also, consider changing the floor tiles to a rough surface or adding non-slip strips and rubber mats. In addition, replace soap bars with liquid soap. Covering all the sharp edges and corners with cushions minimises the injury in case of any fall.
Lighting and wide doorways
Check if all the rooms are lit correctly. Include new lights on indoor and outdoor pathways. Furthermore, add a switch for the light near your bed. Always have a flashlight near your bedside. It is hard for a person using a wheelchair or walker to go through narrow passages and doors. To facilitate more effortless mobility, widen the entrance.
If you are a senior citizen living in Chennai, regardless you choose to live independently or in a retirement home, visit Suprabath retirement community for tips and guidance to adapt to the old age lifestyle.