Bringing in-home care for a loved one is a big step, especially when it comes to preparing your home. It’s natural to want to keep things as they are, but making some elderly home modifications will not only benefit your loved one but also make things easier for their caregivers.
Remember, you are making these changes out of love, and the goal is to make everyone’s life safer and more comfortable.
Here are some home modifications for aging in place that we recommend to ensure a smoother and more positive transition for everyone.
General Home Changes
Let’s start with some basic elderly home modifications. Begin by decluttering your home and removing any unnecessary furniture and items from all rooms and pathways. This includes clearing hallways and walkways of any obstacles and organizing or securing loose items. Pay particular attention to tangled wires and cords, which are a major tripping hazard.
Rugs are also a fall risk, so either remove them entirely or secure them firmly to the floor with double-sided tape or non-slip pads. If you have slippery flooring, consider applying non-slip treatments or using non-slip mats.
In the same breath, install bright, motion-sensing lights all over the house to improve visibility, especially in hallways and staircases. Good lighting is a must for safety, so it should be a top priority in your elderly home modifications.
For added safety and peace of mind, consider installing cameras in common areas. Just be sure to inform anyone coming into your home that cameras are present, and it’s a good practice to have your live-in caregivers sign a consent form as well.
Equipment
Along with the home modifications for aging in place, think about items that will make their life easier like wheelchairs, lift chairs, walkers, toilet lifts, or even oxygen equipment if needed.
Working with a nurse is invaluable in helping you identify the specific equipment that will be most beneficial. Hahn Home Health Care’s experienced nurses can help you with this during our home inspection and provide expert recommendations for your elderly home modifications too.
Bedroom Modifications
If your home has multiple levels, consider moving your loved one’s bedroom to the ground floor. This makes access much easier for both them and their caregivers, but more importantly, it’s much safer when they don’t have to keep going up and down stairs.
Position the bed against a wall so that it’s accessible from only one side, making it easier for your loved one to get in and out. If their needs require it, check with their doctor to see if they qualify for a hospital bed through Medicare or Medicaid.
Little elderly home modifications like having a waterproof mattress cover and keeping spare sheets and covers readily available can make daily care much easier.
Finally, adding a sturdy, straight-backed chair to the room provides a comfortable and safe place for dressing and other activities.
Bathroom Renovations
Bathroom falls send thousands of people to the ER every year, and the injury rates increase with age. Installing grab bars in the shower and tub, as well as on both sides of the toilet seat, are elderly home modifications that go a long way in preventing these slips and falls.
A walk-in shower is the most ideal, but if you have a bathtub, a swivel chair will make getting in and out much safer.
Add a shower seat to allow for seated showering, and swap out your shower head for a handheld nozzle to make it easier for your loved one to rinse off while sitting. Non-slip mats are also essential for preventing slips on wet surfaces.
Finally, if your toilet is low, consider replacing it with a taller model or adding a toilet riser to make sitting and standing more comfortable.
Kitchen and Living Room Elderly Home Modifications
In your living room and other common areas, rearrange furniture to create clear, open pathways and ensure that frequently used items are within easy reach.
If your home has stairs and your loved one has mobility challenges, your home modifications for aging in place should include accessibility improvements like adding ramps or stairlifts.
In the kitchen, keep your countertops and work areas clutter-free and switch out ceramic plates and glassware for unbreakable alternatives to prevent injuries from accidental drops.
Display emergency numbers prominently, such as on the refrigerator door, so they’re readily available to both caregivers and your loved one.
Use Technology
Other general, but potentially life-saving elderly home modifications include integrating smart home technology like fall detectors, voice-activated assistants, and sensors to improve your home’s safety and give your loved one some extra support.
Like cameras, these simple tools will make their daily activities easier and as another form of home support.
Let Us Help
When you’re ready to take the next step in preparing your home for in-home care, Hahn Home Health Care is here to support you. Our experienced team can guide you through making your home safe and comfortable for your loved one, as well as ensuring they receive compassionate, professional care.
Contact us today to learn more about how to make home modifications for aging in place or find the right care plan for your family.