3 January 2018
 Categories: , Blog

As people get older, some everyday activities that they have always taken for granted can begin to pose serious difficulties, and living alone can become somewhat of a struggle. Whether it is for yourself or an elderly relative, consider the following ways to adapt and modify any household to facilitate safer and more independent living at home.

Grab Rails

Bathrooms can be one of the most dangerous places in any household, with baths, showers and wet floors creating the potential for serious slips and falls. Non-slip mats in the bathtub and on the rest of the bathroom floor along with grab rails on walls will go a long way towards making bathrooms safer places for elderly and disabled people; however, grab rails are not just for bathrooms. A small rail adjacent to any slight level changes or single steps in and around the home will make negotiating these obstacles significantly easier and safer.

Stable Furniture

Stable, weight-bearing furniture such as tables, chairs and chests of drawers will allow people with stability issues or walking impairments to steady themselves as they negotiate any living space. Furniture with sharp edges should also be swapped out for pieces with softer, rounded edges which are much safer in the event of a fall. A benefit of investing in stable furniture for this purpose is that it enhances the accessibility and usability of the home without any compromise to the aesthetics.

Easy to Operate Equipment and Technology

Often it can be the smallest things which make the biggest difference to a person's independence and quality of life, such as mobile or home phones with extra-large buttons or simply the installation of large lever handles on taps and toilets in bathrooms and kitchens. From walk-in baths to electric can openers, there is a technological solution out there for just about any accessibility issue, so do your research and see what might be of use to you or your loved ones.

Resting Points

In homes which have multiple storeys, placing robust chairs on landings will allow for useful resting points between flights of stairs, which can be taxing to negotiate for older people. Stair lifts are yet another option They are more expensive, but worthwhile for people with more severe mobility impairments. Still, whilst the ideal scenario for any individual is to live independently, in reality, there will often come a time when this is no longer possible. When this day arrives, it is worth looking into what local nursing homes and aged care facilities could offer you or your loved ones. Good luck, and stay safe!