I’ve talked extensively about how a caregiver can help you stay at home for as long as possible, but another way to do that is by adding some modifications to your home. These modifications will be very important, but you may not need them. If this is not applicable to you, that is fine. Our goal is to promote independence for older adults as much as possible, in various ways that I will discuss.
Grab Bars and Shower Chairs
These can be great additions to showers to promote independence while showering. They can help older adults get in and out of the shower by themselves. If they can’t stand for long periods of time but are able to shower by themselves, a shower chair will help them shower with very little assistance. Both these additions can also help caregivers assist the older adult with showering. You can find a review by Consumer Affairs of grab bars that are currently on the market here.
Non-Slip Shower Mats and Detachable Shower Heads
These are relatively self-explanatory, but the mats can help prevent falls. It’s good to have regardless of if the older adult showers by themselves or with a caregiver, since it prevents falls from both parties involved. Detachable shower heads can be used alongside other tools like shower chairs so that you can shower independently.
Stair Lift
As described by SeniorLiving.org, a stair lift is a motorized chair lift designed to take people up and down the stairs in their home. These can be expensive, but they can be essential unless you can move completely to the first floor of your home.
Here are a few additions you can make to your home to promote independence and enable you to stay at home for as long as possible.
