The desire to stay in the comfort of home as we age is something most older adults share. Home represents more than just a place; it’s where cherished memories were made and where a sense of independence thrives. However, with age comes the need for changes that ensure safety without sacrificing comfort. Whether you’re helping a loved one age in place or preparing your own home for the future, a few thoughtful adjustments can make all the difference in preserving freedom, safety, and joy at home. These tips will help you get started!
- Conduct a Home Safety Assessment. A great place to begin is by assessing the current safety of the home. Walk through each room and look for potential hazards, paying close attention to high-risk areas such as the bathroom and kitchen. Identify anything that could lead to a fall or injury, such as:
- Loose rugs or mats
- Poor lighting in hallways or staircases
- Furniture that is difficult to move around
- Cluttered walkways
Once these risks are identified, you can make the necessary modifications to prevent accidents. Removing or securing loose rugs, decluttering, and improving lighting are simple yet impactful changes that can significantly improve safety.
- Install Grab Bars and Handrails. Bathrooms, with their hard surfaces and slippery floors, pose a high risk for falls. Installing grab bars around the toilet and in the shower or bath area can provide extra stability. Similarly, ensuring that stairways both inside and outside the home have sturdy handrails can help prevent falls and allow an older adult to move more confidently throughout their home.
You may also consider adding a shower chair and a handheld showerhead to make bathing safer and more comfortable. - Optimize the Layout for Mobility. As mobility changes, navigating the home can become more challenging. Take steps to optimize the layout to accommodate mobility devices such as walkers, wheelchairs, or canes. Consider the following:
- Rearranging furniture to create wider pathways
- Installing ramps where necessary
- Removing thresholds between rooms to create a smooth transition between spaces
If your loved one has trouble navigating stairs, you may need to relocate their bedroom and/or laundry facilities to the main floor or explore options for a stairlift.
- Focus on Comfort. Safety is essential, but creating an environment that feels comfortable and soothing is equally important. This could involve adding extra cushions to chairs, ensuring the temperature is easily adjustable, or even providing more access to natural light, which has been shown to improve mood and well-being.
Incorporating personalized touches like family photos, favorite blankets, and familiar decorations can also help your loved one feel more relaxed and connected to their surroundings. - Consider Smart Home Technology. Incorporating technology can be a great way to increase safety and comfort for someone aging in place. Smart home devices such as automated lights, voice-activated assistants, and medical alert systems can be powerful tools in maintaining independence while ensuring help is readily available if needed. Some options include:
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- Smart lighting systems that turn on automatically when someone enters a room, reducing the risk of falls
- Smart thermostats that help keep the home at a comfortable temperature
- Medical alert systems that allow the person to call for help with the push of a button in case of an emergency
Additionally, video doorbells and smart locks can add an extra layer of security by allowing them to see who is at the door without getting up.
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- Address Care Needs. For some individuals, aging in place may require caregiving support. Arranging for in-home care can help an older adult stay safe while receiving the personalized attention they need, including companionship to reduce the feelings of loneliness and isolation that many older adults experience.
- Plan for the Future. While it’s important to focus on current needs, preparing for the future is just as crucial. As the person’s needs evolve, their home environment may need further adjustments. Regularly reassessing the safety and comfort of the home and staying flexible with potential changes will help ensure a lasting and supportive environment.
How Senior HomeCare of Tucson Can Help
Our home care services are often the perfect solution to empower an older adult to continue living in the home they love for a lifetime. Contact us at (520) 355-4787 for a free in-home consultation to learn the many ways we can help someone you love in Oro Valley, Catalina, Tucson, and throughout the surrounding Northwest Tucson area.