If your loved one is finding daily tasks increasingly challenging, such as climbing stairs or slipping into bed, you might wonder whether they need more help each day.
If your relative is in relatively good health but needs a little mobility support, a few simple tweaks and changes to their property might be all they need to live comfortably at home.
Don’t spend your days worrying about your aging parents or a loved one living alone. Continue reading to discover the top home modifications that can boost their safety and independence.
Staircase Support
If an older family member is finding it harder to walk up and down stairs, it is essential to provide greater staircase support to improve their safety and freedom in the home.
For instance, your loved one could benefit from an additional handrail for extra support, or a stairlift could take away the stress of moving up and down the stairs each day.
Of course, if an older adult relies on a wheelchair inside and outside the home, schedule a wheelchair lift installation to make moving across the property feel much easier. Various configurations are also available to suit specific weights, sizes, and staircase designs.
Supportive Furniture
If your loved one often struggles to stand up from a chair, climb in or out of bed, or get up from the toilet, it is a sign they need more supportive furniture in the home.
For instance, a riser-recliner chair can transform their quality of life and independence, as it takes pressure off their knees when they need to stand up.
Specialized beds could also make bedtime a breeze for a senior, as they can raise and lower the person in bed, making it easier to stand, sit, or lie down. This ensures they never need to worry about slipping into bed at night or getting up the next morning.
Wider Door Frames
If your loved one relies on a wheelchair or mobility scooter, you also might want to consider widening their home’s doorways.
Alternatively, consider changing the doors’ opening directions to make it easier to move from room to room.
A Door Intercom
As your loved one grows older, you might worry about their safety when living alone. A door intercom system can improve their safety at home, as they can speak directly to a visitor without answering the door.
A smart doorbell camera can even help them view who is at their door, allowing them to decide whether to answer it. Some systems even feature a handy button to press to open the door from the comfort of their living room.
Exterior Improvements
If your loved one must walk up or down steps outside their home, consider installing a ramp or handrail to make it easier to enter and exit.
You also might want to install motion-sensor outdoor lighting to illuminate their outdoor space once the sun goes down. It could prevent a painful fall outdoors and improve their safety when returning home from an errand or social visit.
