Elderly-Proofing Your Home

When an elderly relative or parent comes to live with you, it's important to create a safe and comfortable living space for them. With a few smart adjustments, you can make your home senior-friendly and ensure their well-being.

Home Modifications

Remove Tripping Hazards

Clear out clutter, secure loose rugs, and tuck away cords to prevent accidents. Simple changes can make a big difference in safety.

Install Grab Bars and Handrails

Adding grab bars in the bathroom and handrails on staircases provides stability and support, helping your loved one move around with confidence.

Improve Lighting

Ensure every part of your home is well-lit, especially stairways and hallways. Night lights are essential for safe navigation during late-night trips to the bathroom.

Adapt Your Layout

Create clear, wide pathways through your living space. Arrange furniture to allow easy navigation, especially if walkers or wheelchairs are needed.

Adjust Heights

Keep frequently used items within easy reach to avoid the need for bending or stretching. This convenience supports independence and safety.

Bathroom Safety

Non-slip Mats

Place non-slip mats in the shower and on the bathroom floor to prevent slips and falls.

Raised Toilet Seats

Installing a raised toilet seat with armrests makes sitting and standing easier for your loved one.

Shower Chairs and Handheld Showers

A shower chair allows for sitting while bathing, and a handheld showerhead makes the process more comfortable. Ensure the hot water heater isn't set too high to prevent burns.

Hire a Personal Support Worker (PSW)

Assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

PSWs can help with bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting, maintaining dignity and hygiene for your loved one.

Meal Preparation

A PSW can handle meal planning and preparation, ensuring nutritious meals tailored to dietary needs.

Medication Management

PSWs can remind your loved one to take medications on time and help organize pills for proper dosage.

Companionship

PSWs provide companionship, engaging in conversations, playing games, or going for walks, reducing feelings of isolation.

Mobility Assistance

PSWs assist with safe movement around the house, ensuring your loved one is always supported.

Light Housekeeping

PSWs help with light housekeeping tasks, maintaining a tidy environment.

Kitchen Adaptations

Easy-to-Use Appliances

Equip your kitchen with appliances that have large, easy-to-read controls for convenience.

Accessible Storage

Store frequently used items at waist level to eliminate the need for reaching high or bending low.

Fire Safety

Keep a fire extinguisher handy and ensure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are functional for safety.

Bedroom Comfort

Bed Adjustments

Ensure the bed is at a comfortable height for easy access and consider adding bed rails for support.

Emergency Communication

Keep a phone or medical alert system within easy reach of the bed for quick access during emergencies.

Comfortable Bedding

Invest in supportive mattresses and pillows to ensure a good night’s sleep for your loved one.

General Home Safety

Emergency Plan

Develop and practice an emergency evacuation plan regularly.

Medication Management

Organize medications in a pill organizer and keep a list of all prescriptions to avoid confusion.

By making these adjustments and enlisting the help of a Hero Care PSW, you’ll create a safe, supportive environment, allowing your loved one to maintain their independence while giving you peace of mind.

Hero Care founders have utilized their extensive backgrounds in nursing to ensure a smooth onboarding process and comprehensive assessment of the support services required for each client. You can put your trust in us!

Call or email our program manager today and let’s get started on keeping you or your loved one safely at home. Contact information is on our “Contact Us Page”