Most seniors want to live independently for as long as possible. However, as we age, it becomes more and more difficult to complete the day-to-day tasks due to health and mobility issues. So it’s important that if you or an elderly loved one lives alone, or with an aging partner, that the home is as safe and comfortable to live in as possible.
Falls are one of the leading causes of injury in the elderly and according to Queensland Health, more than half of fall-related ambulance attendances for seniors were inside private residences. This means that it is important to do everything that you can to ensure that the homes of your elderly loved ones are as safe and secure as possible.
Home Safety Tips For Seniors
Upgrade Lighting
Upgrading lightning is one of the most simple and effective ways to make your home safer. This is particularly true in the homes of elderly as vision tends to worsen as we age. Having a well-lit home will help to prevent falls and tripping – one of the most common causes of injury in the elderly.
It is especially important to ensure that the bathroom, stairs, and hallways are well-lit as these are common areas where falls may occur. You may also want to consider keeping a torch in your bedside table in case of a power outage.
Remove Trip Hazards
As mentioned above, falling is one of the most common causes of injury for the elderly. So it is important to remove any possible trip hazards from walkways to reduce the risk of a fall. This includes removing or securing rugs, wires, carpets, etc. In addition, never place a rug at the top or bottom of the stairs
You may also want to consider replacing the bathtub with a barrier free shower to reduce the risk of tripping when getting in or out. Grab bars in the shower, bath tub, and next to the toilet can also be useful in preventing falls as well as slip proof rubber bath mats.
Install A Lift
As we age and mobility becomes an issue, having to constantly navigate stairs can be challenging as well as hazardous. This is because any fall can be dangerous for seniors, and falling down a staircase could be life altering.
In the past, installing a lift in your home was something reserved for only the uber-wealthy. However, recently residential lifts have become more affordable and accessible. And with compact lift designs, a home lift can be installed almost anywhere.
Installing a home lift ensures that all levels of the home are easily accessible for everyone. Plus, you will no longer need to lug large or heavy objects up the stairs as they too can be transported easily in the lift.
Axis Lifts has a wide range of home lifts available to suit any home and level of mobility. Our lifts are easy to use and maintain and our 24/7 response service will keep your lift running smoothly year round. Contact us today on 1300 002 947 for a free quote.
Display Emergency Numbers
Finally, if you’re looking to improve the safety of your home, either for yourself or an elderly relative, ensure that all emergency numbers are clearly displayed. Display numbers such as 000 (for emergencies), as well as healthdirect 1800 022 222 (for non-emergency health concerns), and the number of a few trusted family members or friends.
Make sure that the numbers are displayed next to each phone in a large enough print to read when distressed.
If you need quality home access solutions suitable for any home and mobility requirements, contact Axis Lifts today on 1300 002 947 or fill out our contact form.
