At some point in our lives, we may find that we have to take care of an elderly relative. It might be a parent, a friend, or another family member, but it is certainly something none of us can prepare for. Protecting our loved ones and helping them to enjoy the later years in life, may become your top priority. But as it can end up being such an important part of our lives, it is important to prepare ourselves as best we can. Having knowledge on some of the options that we can take as well as knowing what to do in certain situations. You may want to ensure that they can stay in their homes for as long as possible. So knowing what you can do to help is essential. With that in mind, here are some of the home improvements to think about when it comes to taking care of an elderly relative.
Grab handles around the home
Movement may be tricky in and around the home for an elderly person. Things like getting up off the toilet seat or getting out of the bath. Even things like being able to get out of bed. This is where grab handles and hoists can come in handy. They can be easily placed around the home in areas where that extra support is needed to do day-to-day tasks.
A stair lift
Many homes have stairs in them but rather encourage a house move which is stressful, a stair lift can ensure that their home remains accessible. Places like Age Mobility have a great selection that you can choose from. Stairs can often be the biggest issue that older people have when it comes to staying in their homes, so a stair lift could be a simple solution to the problem. Enabling them to be able to easily access the upstairs without causing harm or injury to themselves.
Gadgets and technology
It isn’t just mobility that can cause an issue with elderly people, they may also be struggling mentally with their memory or understanding things they need to do. This is where gadgets and technology can help. You can look at adding clocks that share the day, date, and time. You could look at using smart home devices like Alexa or Google Home where you can organise reminders for things like medication. Wearable technology can also link with smart home devices.
Bath lift or installing a walk-in shower
Bathing can often be a struggle when there is an issue with mobility so a great home improvement option to consider would be something like a bath lift or installing a walk-in shower. This helps with accessibility in the bathroom, which can often be a small room.
Security
Security is another thing to consider to help ensure that your elderly relative can stay in their home for longer. You could have an alarm system installed that links to an app on your mobile phone. Or have cameras fitted for extra peace of mind.
Lowering work surfaces and storage options
Sometimes work surfaces and storage options can be inaccessible as mobility begins to decrease, so lowering these areas to a height that is suitable for your relative can ensure they can still enjoy the usual activities they would do in their home.
An outdoor ramp or step rail
Finally, an outdoor ramp or step rail may help to make accessing their home much easier as a long term solution. A ramp is ideal if a wheelchair might be needed, now or in the future to help with mobility.
Hopefully, this has given you plenty to think about when it comes to possible home improvements that could be made to keep your relative in their own home for longer.
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