Are you in a current situation in which you are caring for your aging parents? If so, then you might be looking for ways to make their homes more functional for them and their specific needs. Did you know there are ways you can make seniors' homes more functional, so you don't have to worry about your parents' safety and comfort while you are at work? Here are five of the best ways to make the homes of your loved ones more functional.
Install Rails
The first tip is to install handrails in areas where your senior citizen might need extra assistance. You definitely need to install them next to any stairs in the house, but look for other areas where they be needed as well. Check the house for uneven flooring from one room to another where a handrail might help.
Add Assistance in the Bathroom
You may need to add a special tub with a swinging door in the bathroom that allows the senior citizen to walk in and out without lifting their legs. A handrail in the shower and next to the toilet is also a necessity for those with mobility issues. Consider also adding friction pads to the tub floor to help prevent slips.
Lower the Shelves
Many seniors have a hard time reaching high shelves, and they should not be standing on step stools or ladders to reach the items they need in their homes. Since senior citizens can fall rather easily, try lowering the cabinets and shelves within the home to put things within easy reach. If it isn't feasible to lower the cabinets, try building extra shelves and installing them at a lower height.
Pay Attention to the Home's Exterior
Don't forget to pay attention to the exterior of the home as you try to make it more functional for your senior citizen. For example, make sure the exterior doors close slowly to avoid having one close too quickly and knock someone over. If they don't have one already, you might want to have a garage door opener installed by a company in your particular locale, so your senior citizen doesn't have to try to open and shut the garage door alone.
Buy New Furniture
A final tip is to consider purchasing new furniture that can actually aid an older person in getting up from a seated position. You can buy special chairs that lift people up to help them get out of their seats. You won't have to worry about the possibility of your senior getting stuck in a chair.
Give Them Mobility
Certain medical conditions later in life my take away loved ones' ability to walk properly. Luckily, with the help of insurance companies most people are eligible for free or close-to-free power chairs. These can significantly improve the quality of life of seniors by restoring their basic freedom of movement.
When you take a few, simple steps to make a senior citizen's home more functional, you can rest assured that your loved one is safe. They will be sure to appreciate your efforts in their times of need.