By: Dr. Riffat Sadiq, CEO of WNY Medical, PC, Channel Creator
In my YouTube series about elderly care, we discuss how we can make things easier for senior citizens. If we take care of simple matters, we can target major issues in the elderly effectively. 74% of the elderly population wants to stay at home in their safe space. Therefore, their home should always be safe for them, similarly to the way we plan our homes for when there is a baby on the way.
The number one tip for a safe space for the elderly is to avoid clutter. Our goal is to reduce the risk of falls. We tend to get a lot of material things in our home and overall surroundings to keep the space clear and concise. Give away some of the things that you are not using. Make your house clean and simple. Limit extensive amounts of furniture, or properly organize what you currently have.
Our pets are our loved ones, too, but they can take up space. Organize their furniture and food dishes in specific spaces to better avoid clutter and keep your space clear for walking. We also have a lot of cords and appliances in our homes. Make sure these are properly tied up, out of the way of walking areas.
Keeping a well-lit home is crucial for maintaining a safe home for senior citizens. Lights near the bathroom, especially during the night, are crucial for good visibility. Some ways to make lighting easily accessible are simple automatic nightlights that plug into outlets. These will turn on when it is dark in the room, making it easy to navigate during the night to the bathroom. There are also motion and voice sensitive lights that can help with a more affordable electric bill.
In terms of your bathroom, it is important to have elevation and handles for seniors, to avoid hip and pelvic fractures. This makes the quality of life easier for elders because it is easier to stand up after using the bathroom. Be sure to keep your bathroom floor clean and dry, too. Proper floor finishes can help this, as well as traction rugs.
Overall, it is crucial to keep a safe living space for elders. There are several simple, yet effective techniques one can take each day to avoid accidents and falls in the home. Follow these tips and more to keep a happy, healthy home all year round.