Apartment Upgrades To Ensure Senior Safety
Today's biggest retirement trend involves aging in place rather than entering designated retirement communities or assisted living facilities. Because medical advances and deeper understanding of the many ways in which lifestyle choices affect general health, today's retirees are living longer and more active lives than their historical counterparts, so remaining in their own homes for as long as possible makes sense. However, your senior loved one's home may need certain adjustments in order to create the safest possible environment for them. Following are several upgrades that you should consider having installed that will make your senior loved one's home safer.
Create Slip-Free Walking Surfaces
Although slip-and-fall accidents are usually associated with slick surfaces on sidewalks and wet floors in retail outlets and restaurants, many of them actually occur in the home. The first thing you should do when renovating your senior's home with safety in mind is take stock of the floor. Long pile carpets can cause falls, so replace or remove them if possible. Wall-to-wall carpeting should be securely tacked down, and throw rugs should be equipped with nonslip backing. Bathroom and kitchen floors tend to be the scene of many slip-and-fall accidents, so look into replacing floors in these areas with nonslip options such as cork flooring or textured ceramic tiles. You can also install anti-slip strips on stair steps and other areas that where your senior loved one might be particularly vulnerable to slipping.
Install a Walk-in Tub and Shower
Bathrooms can be extremely dangerous places for senior citizens because tubs and showers have such hard surfaces -- and climbing in and out of showers and tubs can be particularly perilous, so have walk in showers and tubs installed for optimal bathroom safety. If your senior's bathroom doesn't have the space for a separate shower and tub, you can purchase an all-in-one items that will provide both options. These can also be used as deep soaking tubs, which provide a wonderful way to relax as well as therapeutic benefits, particularly if they're equipped with water jets. Walk-in tubs can change routine bathing from a difficult chore into a pleasant activity that can ease away aches and pains.
You can also minimize the chances of potentially harmful mishaps by installing safety bars not only in showers and tubs but by the sink and near the toilet. Wheelchair-accessible tubs and showers are also available to accommodate the needs of those with limited mobility. For more information or advice, contact a center such as Sunnington Assisted Living.
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