Healthy Homes for the Elderly
The home of an elderly person can be a dangerous place if certain precautions and adjustments aren't made to accommodate his needs. All houses needs to be safe and healthy but the home of a senior citizen needs special attention because the requirements of an elderly person are different from those of younger people.
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Sensory Capabilities
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Older people aren't as mobile as they once were and may require aids, such as walker, canes, scooters and wheelchairs so they can get around their homes. Furniture needs to be arranged so that she isn't bumping into items or falling over them. When a person uses a wheelchair, door openings may have to be increased from 29 inches to 30 inches or from 36 inches to 42 inches, particularly if the wheelchair is wide.
Tripping Hazards
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A safe and healthy home must be equipped with good lighting so the elderly person can see. Tripping obstacles, such as rugs, should be removed. Put nonskid mats under rugs so that the rugs don't slip. Low-pile carpeting is best when the resident is using a walker because the walker is less likely to get caught in this type of carpet.
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Arthritis
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Seniors often suffer from arthritis, which makes ordinary tasks difficult for them. Install lever handles that are easier to maneuver than other types of door knobs. Lever faucets are also easier to use for someone who has arthritis.
Railings and Lighting
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Railings should be on both sides of the stairs and the staircase or stairwell should be well lit. Overhead lights should be installed so that they light the stairs. Elderly people are likely to have fragile bones that break easily when they fall. Place nightlights throughout the individual's home so he can see when he gets up during the night or buy a motion sensor light and place it by the person's bed. It will light up as soon as the person moves to get out of bed.
Bathroom
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Accidents are apt to occur in the bathroom. Install grab bars by the toilet and by the toilet and shower. If possible, install a handicap shower or tub that provides easy access and egress to the senior. A shower with a hand-held shower head and a seat are ideal. If a senior has ready access to a tub or shower she is more likely to bathe regularly, which keeps her cleaner and healthier. Toilets can be configured so that it is easier for disabled and/or elderly people to get on and off them. Portable potty chairs are another option. They can be placed right beside the individual's bed.
Provide Reach Tools
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Accommodating his needs in the kitchen will help him eat better. Provide reach tools that enable the elderly person to reach and grab items that are in upper cabinets and beyond his reach.
Emergency Devices
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Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms. They should be equipped with flashing lights in addition to audio alarms because elderly people are often hearing impaired and might not hear the alarm but will see the warning light. Make sure there are several fire extinguishers in the home including in the kitchen and bedroom.
Medical Alert Pendant
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Provide the elderly person with a medical alert pendant that he wears around his neck. If he falls and can't get to the phone he presses the button on the pendant to call for help. The alarm can be programmed to call family members or neighbors or 911 or all of them in quick succession.
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References
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