As our loved ones get older, certain things around the home can become more difficult for them.
It’s important to help our older relatives retain as much independence as possible. It’s great for their mental health and general wellbeing.
Giving someone more independence in their own home also allows people to stay in familiar surroundings longer. Most people don’t want to move out of a house they have spent years pouring love into just because they have started to struggle with a few things.
Below are some great solutions to help your elderly loved ones retain as much independence as possible.
Fit a Stair Lift
Stairs can become a real challenge anyone who struggles with mobility. The action of climbing stairs needs a lot of power and strength behind the muscles involved.
If climbing stairs becomes difficult or painful in later life, things like going to bed can be a real chore. Stair lifts can completely alleviate that worry and stress of taking on the stairs and instead allow your loved one to glide up and down with ease.
Adapt the Shower
Hygiene is a necessity, and it shouldn’t be difficult to keep yourself clean at home. If your mobility suffers, getting in and out of a bath can be almost impossible.
Instead look at adapting a shower. A cheap option is to invest in a shower seat if you have the space. It will just allow your loved one to rest while they wash.
If a shower seat isn’t an option, it might be worth looking into transforming the bathroom into a wet room. Alternatively, specialist shower units are available and they’re made with mobility aids in mind. These showers tend to have a seat, lots of friction on the floor to avoid slipping and plenty of mobility aids.
Get a Key Safe
If your loved one has carers to help with their everyday tasks, then those carers are going to need to get in. In most cases your loved one will be able to answer the door, but it’s important to have a key on-hand but kept secure.
A key safe is handy if you’re worried about your relative having a fall. If they fall and can’t get to the door, the carer is still able to enter the property and arrange the right help for them.
Fit Hand Rails and Slopes
Steps inside and outside the home can be a big issue for anyone with mobility issues. Instead, arrange for the steps to be changed into slopes and fit hand rails beside them.
It might be difficult to flatten things like doorsteps, so adding a hand rail beside the door inside and outside will provide extra support for your relative to steady themselves.
Add Large Labels
Most people’s sight deteriorates with age. Pair that with mobility issues too and life can suddenly become a lot harder.
You can help out by labelling certain things in very bold print or marking bright colours. For example, the quick wash cycle might be hard to spot as a setting, but marking with something bold will help make it stand out.
All of these adaptations can help your relatives stay independent for longer. If you’ve got any more great tips to add, then let me know in the comments!