As a family caregiver for an aging parent, you know how important it is to create a safe and secure living environment. Whether your parent has limited mobility or significant physical challenges, making adjustments in their home will help reduce risks and promote independence. Although some alterations may seem daunting at first, with the right information and support, you can make simple changes that will ensure a safe space for your loved one. In this blog post, Hugues Joublin discusses some valuable tips on creating an effective safety plan so that your elderly relative can remain comfortable and independent in their own home.
Hugues Joublin On How To Make A Home Safe For Your Aging Parent
1. Remove Trip Hazards: To reduce the risk of falls, it is important, as per Hugues Joublin, to remove any items that could be a potential trip hazard in your parent’s home. This includes cords, rugs or mats, and clutter. Be sure to also install handrails on stairs and next to beds or chairs as added support for your aging parent.
2. Simplify Bathroom Use: When making your parent’s home safe, one key area to focus on is their bathroom. Consider installing grab bars around the toilet and shower/tub, adding non-slip mats or adhesive strips on slippery surfaces such as tile floors, and ensuring that hot water temperatures are set low to prevent scalding.
3. Improve Lighting: Dimly lit spaces can lead to falls and other safety issues, so it is important to improve the lighting in your parent’s home. Install brighter lightbulbs or add additional lamps throughout the space to ensure there are no dark areas that could be hazardous. Also, consider investing in motion sensor lights that will activate when your aging parent walks through a room at night.
4. Adapt Kitchen Usage: The kitchen presents many potential hazards for aging adults, so making sure it is properly adapted should be a top priority. Consider installing additional countertop space or lower cabinets and drawers with handles, as well as providing non-slip mats for safer standing on hard surfaces.
5. Install Fire and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Installing fire and carbon monoxide detectors in your parent’s home is a simple yet important step to making sure they are safe. Be sure to test the detectors regularly, replace their batteries as needed, and make sure that your aging parent knows how to use them if there is ever an emergency.
6. Increase Home Security: It may also be wise to consider increasing home security measures in your parent’s home. If possible, install window locks or other safety devices that will prevent unauthorized entry into the residence. Additionally, providing easily accessible telephones throughout the house, as well as a medical alert system, can help ensure that help can be quickly accessed if needed.
7. Optimize Home Comfort: Lastly, it is important to keep the home environment comfortable and inviting for your aging parent. Hugues Joublin recommends considering investing in an adjustable bed or chair that can provide comfort and support while watching TV or reading a book. Additionally, providing adequate heating and ventilation systems will help ensure that they remain comfortable throughout the year.
Statistics
1. Falls are the leading cause of death and serious injury in those over 65 years old.
2. 85% of fatal falls occur at home among elderly individuals, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. The World Health Organization estimates that approximately 28-35% of people aged 65 or more will experience a fall each year.
Hugues Joublin’s Concluding Thoughts
According to Hugues Joublin, making small changes like these can make all the difference when creating a safe and secure space for your aging parent. It is also worth considering speaking to local elderly care professionals who may be able to provide additional advice on how best to create a safe living environment for your loved one. With the right precautions in place, you can rest assured knowing that your parent’s home is as safe as possible for their continued well-being.