Deciding to age in place is a big choice, especially if safety hasn’t been the major focus in recent years. So many seniors have a focus on so many other details besides safety until it becomes more urgent to focus on being safe at home. A well-curated living space helps seniors to avoid accidents while also helping them to feel comfortable and happy in their homes. With the help of senior home care services, families can prioritize safety and also ensure that seniors continue to love being in their homes.
Focus on Safety First
Safety should always be first because without safety, nothing else is really going to matter much. Falls are a big safety concern, so being proactive about fall prevention can prevent other issues. Eliminating tripping hazards, like loose rugs, clutter, and random electrical cords, helps a lot. Rearranging furniture is really helpful if seniors need more space for mobility aids. Bumping up lighting and adding handrails where appropriate can also help. The specific safety measures depend on what seniors have the most difficulty with on a daily basis. Home care providers understand safety needs for seniors, so they can help flesh out a list.
Look for Senior-friendly Ways to Create Comfort
When it’s time to look at comfort, simple adjustments often carry a lot of weight. Furniture that is too low or too soft might be more difficult for seniors to use comfortably. Since these can also pose safety risks because seniors might feel off balance using them, it’s a good idea to swap them out if possible. Creating spaces that are comfortable, have good lighting, and work well for seniors can help them to feel as if they have more control over their environments. It’s also a good idea to look for ways to make it easy to keep the climate indoors comfortable. Using programmable thermostats and keeping throw blankets handy works well.
Foster Emotional Wellness
Emotional wellness is just as important for seniors as comfort and safety. Decluttering helps, but it’s important to not declutter all of the personal touches and things that make seniors feel at home in their spaces. Family photos, favorite artwork, and touches of nature all make for a soothing and comforting environment. Seniors can hold onto their own sense of individuality while also trying to age in place gracefully.
Promote Independence and Accessibility
Senior home care providers can also help seniors to rearrange items in their spaces to make them more accessible. For instance, in the kitchen, storing frequently used items lower than waist-high makes it easier and safer to access them. Using technology, like voice-activated assistants and smart thermostats, can help seniors to control their own environment much more easily.
Addressing safety doesn’t mean reducing comfort for seniors. Senior home care providers can help family caregivers and aging adults consider what changes will improve safety while also helping seniors feel comfortable at home. Aging in place can be a time when seniors feel more secure and happier at home than they ever have before, especially if they have the right help in place.
If you or an aging loved one is considering senior home care in Minnetonka, MN and the surrounding areas, please contact the friendly staff at CareBuilders at Home Minnesota. Call today 612-260-2273.
