Safety Checks for Aging in Place

One of the biggest concerns when it comes to aging in place is generally safety. Families are concerned that their loved ones’ homes are not conducive to their needs as they get older and will pose a threat to their wellbeing. Tripping and falling are often prominent concerns. There are many small home modifications that you can make to increase safety and allow seniors to remain in their own home for as long as possible.

Handrails and grab bars: Ensure that there are handrails along every set of stairs and that they are securely fastened to the wall. In areas such as the bathroom, install grab bars near the shower and toilet to help with transitions such as standing, sitting, or stepping over the side of the bathtub.

Lighting: Add nightlights, motion sensors, or higher wattage bulbs to increase available lighting. This is especially important in hallways and interior rooms that do not get natural light and for when seniors are up at night and it is dark.

Secure cords and carpets: Make sure that cords for lights, electronics, and other devices are safely tucked away. You can use cable ties to bundle long cords together or affix them off to the side. Also secure the edges of carpets or rugs so that they do not roll up or shift out of position. These strategies can reduce the risk of tripping and falling.

Remove clutter: If your senior has a lot of knickknacks or belongings, make sure there is room for everything to be safely stored. Remove any objects blocking walkways or stairs, or that may topple and cause injury if bumped into.

Service appliances and heating/cooling systems: In an older home, there may be outdated or malfunctioning appliances. Check all cords and wires for signs of fraying or wear. Make sure that the refrigerator, stove, and water heater are maintaining proper temperatures. Have the heating and cooling system inspected to ensure they are in proper working order and do not pose any health risks. Malfunctioning systems can emit carbon monoxide. Regularly check the batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.

Improve ease of access to common areas: This could include rearranging furniture to widen walkways, replacing doorknobs with handles, installing ramps, or making other modifications. Regularly evaluate your senior’s ability to open and close drawers and doors, work the buttons on appliances, and simply complete daily tasks. Look for ways to make these tasks easier and safer.

Planning ahead can help you to integrate modifications that support aging in place ahead of time. Stay alert to your senior’s changing needs, mobility, and function. This will allow you to continue making adjustments as necessary. In-home care can also support aging in place by assisting with daily tasks and promoting safety and wellbeing. Being proactive when it comes to home safety can reduce the risk of trips, falls, and other injuries.

Ways to Keep your Mind Sharp as you Age in Place

As people age they may begin to notice that they become more forgetful or their thinking isn’t as clear or quick as it used to be. While minor memory lapses are normal, significant memory loss is not, even with aging. It is usually a sign of a condition such as dementia or the result of injury or other disorders. Engaging in daily activities to keep your mind active can help boost memory and improve processing. Here are some ways that seniors can work to keep their mind sharp:

Play higher level thinking games. Completing jigsaw, crossword, or logic puzzles as well as strategy games can promote problem-solving and stimulate the brain. They require more focus and thought than simple games that become more automatic.

Engage in regular exercise. Walking, swimming, yoga, and biking are all great activities for seniors. Exercise keeps blood flowing and can enhance heart health as well as ward off other diseases that can lead to memory loss. It is also a way to reduce stress, boost mood, and improve mental health.

Stay social. Spending time with others helps to work various parts of the brain. It can help seniors to remember routines, stay more mobile, and ward off depression. Interacting with others can be a healthy form of stimulation and give more meaning to each day.

Eat a healthy diet. Getting the proper amount of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients can support brain function and memory. The body needs these things for good health. Fish are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids which can reduce risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease.

Continue learning new things. Another great way to stimulate the brain is to try new activities and develop different hobbies and skills. This diversity can activate various parts of the brain and help maintain healthy brain cells. Read a part of the newspaper you usually skip, volunteer in the community, join a club, or practice a new hobby. It gets your memory thinking in different ways and provides variety. It can also be a good source of exercise and socialization.

Just because you are aging doesn’t mean that you can’t keep your mind sharp. Find ways to stay involved and continue doing things that you enjoy. Eating a well-balanced diet, drinking plenty of water, and getting adequate sleep can also help the brain to recharge and stay healthy. There are many ways to support better mental and physical health and today is a great time to start. Explore different opportunities and discover what you enjoy.

Renovations for Aging in Place

Many seniors prefer to stay in their own home as long as possible. They may be able to function independently and just have some mobility issues or other concerns; not enough to warrant moving to a nursing home. By making some renovations around the house, families can help their senior to be able to age in place more safely. Their home will be better suited to meet their changing needs. Here are some renovations to consider:

Railings and grab bars: To help aid in stability, especially when going up or down stairs or from sitting to standing, add sturdy railings and grab bars. While a single level home is preferable, this is not always possible. Having sturdy railings can make going up and down stairs safer and easier. Grab bars in the bathroom near the shower and toilet can ease transitions, especially as surfaces can become slippery when wet.

Secure flooring: Tack down loose edges of carpeting or flooring. This will help prevent seniors from getting their feet caught on any uneven pieces which could lead to tripping or falling. Add non-slip mats in the bathroom, kitchen, or anywhere else there are hardwood or linoleum floors. This will help to keep mats in place and provide non-slippery surfaces to stand on.

Increase lighting: Add additional lighting, especially in hallways and stairwells. It is important that seniors be able to see where they are going to help prevent tripping or stumbling into things. Motion-sensor lights can help to ensure that lights come on when they are needed.

Door and drawer handles: As seniors age, grip can become an issue. Switch out door knobs for lever handles that are easier to open. Replace drawer handles with “D”-shaped pulls that are easier to grab and pull.

Ramps: If there are stairs leading up to the home, consider installing a ramp. This makes it easier to get canes, walkers, and wheelchairs up to the door. It can also be easier to balance than trying to maneuver stairs. Also check to make sure transitions between carpeted and non-carpeted areas are as smooth as possible to prevent tripping.

Some other options for more extensive remodeling include ensuring doorways are 36 inches wide so that they can accommodate a wheelchair. Lower or raise countertops and cabinetry as necessary for easier access that does not require as much reaching or stooping. Installing pull-down shelves in cabinets can help as well.

Other tips include reorganizing so that spaces are more open and easier to navigate, creating storage space to minimize clutter and reduce the risk of trips and falls, and installing raised toilet seats and other adjustable seating to assist with transitions. Periodically re-evaluate your senior’s mobility and dexterity to make necessary adjustments to improve safety and independence. This can allow your loved one to age in place more safely and comfortably.