
As our senior loved ones age, their safety and mobility often become more important. Home modifications and supplies can help your loved one age in place safely, avoiding falls and injuries that could lead to a higher risk of hospitalization and disability.
Stair lifts can reduce the risk of stair-related injuries. These devices can also help your loved one move up and down stairs more easily.
Stair Lifts
A stair lift is an essential mobility solution for any senior with difficulty climbing or descending stairs. It allows you to maintain your independence and dignity as you age in place while reducing the risk of falls, the number one cause of injury in homes.
Stairs can be challenging to manage at any age, but the effects of aging, arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions can make them particularly challenging. Moreover, injuries or neurological disorders may also make it difficult to navigate the stairs.
The best stair lifts provide a safe, comfortable ride up and down the stairs without causing any discomfort. They can be installed on most staircases, including curved and spiral ones.
There are several different stair lift models, each with its features. Check this website to find the right one for you. The type of stair lift best for you depends on your particular needs and budget.
Wheelchair Lifts
Powered wheelchair lifts are another great way to help senior residents stay home longer without moving to an assisted living facility or nursing care home.
These devices allow wheelchairs, walkers and other mobility devices to travel up or down a flight of stairs to provide safe and convenient access for seniors who need to move between levels of their homes.
Wheelchair lifts can be installed in the interior of a home or outside on patio, deck or porch steps. They are available in various models, with different weight capacities and battery backup options.
Many lifts come with emergency stop buttons, so you can quickly bring them to a stop in case of an obstruction. It will keep you safe from accidents while moving up or down stairs.
Continuous pressure controls are another essential safety feature that will ensure you always remain in control of the lift. These features are critical because they allow you to stop mid-motion with just one tap on the button.
The average handyperson can easily install most wheelchair lifts. However, it is still best to hire a professional for this task since they can ensure the lift is correctly installed and safely operating.
Ramps
Ramps are essential mobility and home safety equipment for senior citizens because they help people with disabilities and physical injuries to enter and exit their homes. They also increase a person’s independence and improve their quality of life by allowing them to go about their daily activities independently.
It’s essential to ensure that any ramp you choose is ADA-compliant and made of non-slip material. It should also be wide enough for the user’s needs and have handrails, if possible.
If you’re looking for a senior-friendly, affordable and reliable ramp that meets these requirements, consider the Titan MF8. It is highly durable, foldable and compacts to 1/4 its size when not in use. It’s also an excellent option for the elderly because it’s accessible to transport and store.
Grab Bars
While most people associate grab bars with the bathroom, they can be installed throughout the home in areas where a little extra help is needed to maintain stability. They can help prevent falls, reduce fatigue during transfers and provide a fail-safe in an emergency.
Some grab bars, such as stainless steel and aluminium, are made of materials that can handle moisture and humidity. Others are crafted from heavy plastics that have textured places for your hands to go so they won’t slip or slide while you shower.
The key to using grab bars is making sure they’re comfortable and that you have enough space between the bar and the wall to use them. For most adults, this will be around 1 1/2 inches.
For a senior with limited mobility, grab bars are a relatively inexpensive way to improve the safety and convenience of bathing. They can also help seniors maintain hygiene and avoid infections and skin problems.
Bath Safety
Bathrooms are one of the most dangerous rooms for elderly people, with wet shower stalls and slippery floors leading to many falls. Seniors should be equipped with safety equipment to prevent these accidents and remain safe in their homes.
Adding safety rails and other bathroom safety aids can help seniors maintain their independence for longer. They can also assist caregivers in assisting their loved ones and reduce the risk of injury.
The right bathroom safety supplies can also make calling for assistance in an emergency easier. For instance, a medical alert device that dispatches emergency responders to your home could be helpful in situations where your elderly loved one may have trouble rising from the toilet.
In addition, night lights can help to illuminate areas in the bathroom that can be dimly lit at night. These can be installed on the outside of a shower or in key locations, such as the doorway to the shower or the area next to the toilet, to help your loved one see and navigate their way safely through the bathroom at night.