Living in your own space, with things and people familiar to you, is the kind of life senior citizens love and require. Being able to live free and independently without any help is a boon in itself. But having said this, one must understand that though it may be comfortable, one must also look at the safety factor. The word "safety" involves all things that might put a senior citizen at risk, e.g., intruders, infrastructure, etc.
To ensure that you safe-proof the homes of senior citizens, it is essential that you keep some tips handy. Read on to find out more.
Just about anyone can have a fall, not just an elderly person. Although older people are more susceptible to factors and injuries after a fall, As a result, this is one of the most important factors to consider while safe-proofing your house for your elderly parents and relatives. It is imperative that anything that can cause people to trip and fall be removed. A throw rug, slippery mats, floor decor installations, and so on may look nice, but they can be dangerous to a senior citizen.
In the event of an emergency, senior citizens might find it frustrating and difficult to locate and contact family for assistance. Therefore, it is essential that a list of emergency contacts that includes police, hospitals, and ambulances, as well as contacts of immediate family members and friends, be kept handy and in a visible spot.Finding a grandma perched on her chair knitting or crocheting something is something that we only see in the movies these days. However, studies have claimed that practice of knitting or crocheting among the elderly can help improve their dexterity, mental health, symptoms of dementia and also gives them a sense of purpose. There are countless video tutorials on YouTube to help anyone get started on knitting or crocheting.
The bathroom and kitchen happen to be two of the riskiest places for senior citizens. These two areas of the house have two things that, when put together, form a risky combination: water and hard floors. The bathroom needs to have non-slip or textured floors that avoid any slips. Furthermore, installing a handle bar in the bathroom facilitates and aids senior citizens' movement.In the kitchen as well, non-slip mats at the sink and stove are essential. It is also important that the kitchen be redesigned to suit the needs of an elderly person, i.e., cabinets are placed at an optimal level, making them easy to reach.
While good lighting really brightens up a space, it also has a safety feature to it. Well-lit rooms and hallways always avoid the risk of tripping over objects placed on the floor. Including motion-activated lighting is always a good idea, especially in senior citizens' homes.These lights avoid the hassle of finding the light switch in a dark room and even ensure a stress-free night for senior citizens.
Although smart home security systems may be on the pricey side, this is an investment you won’t ever regret. A home with an automated security system ensures that you and your parents are safe from unwanted intruders. This enables control of the entire home's security without ever having to descend a flight of stairs and lock up. Door cameras, code-activated locking systems, motion sensors, and CCTVs are all things that will give you peace of mind.
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