We take a lot of things
for granted while living in our homes. Open doors,
using toilets, climbing stairs etc. all of this comes
to us automatically. But what we do not realize is
that these very tasks seem daunting to elderly people.
The rate of injuries caused to the elderly while
getting around the house or using the toilet is very
high. They fall on slippery floors in the bathroom,
their fingers are caught in swinging doors and they
cannot open doorknobs because of arthritis.
Researches
have been trying to find ways to make the house easier
to use and safer to live in for the elderly. Here are
few tips that you can incorporate in your house to
make it safer for the elderly:
Replace the doorknobs with levers, as these
are easy to open even if the person has arthritis.
Faucets with levers are easier to use.
Use light switches that are illuminated.
You can use clap-on, clap-off light system as
well.
Floors should be made slip-resistant. Use
nonskid mats under rugs.
Areas where the elderly are likely to trip
over, like the threshold should be as low as possible.
If there is an elderly person who uses a
walker in your house, it is better to use low-pile carpeting,
as the walker doesn't get caught in low-piles and hence will
prevent the person from falling.
If you have stairs in your house, ensure that
there is sufficient lighting all long the stairway. Railings
should be provided on either side of the stairs, as it makes
climbing up and down easier. This way the stairs will be safe.
All rooms should be well light as dark rooms
can lead to accidental falls. Especially entrances should be
very well light.
At the entrance of your house ensure that
there is a place to keep keys, shopping, mail or anything else
that the elderly person maybe carrying. Place a table, a chest
of drawers a basket near the door to place these things in.
Special care should be taken in the bathroom
as most of the accidents occur here. Placing shower grab bars
and toilet grab bars will make it easy and safe to use the
bathroom.
Use faucets with a single control for hot and
cold water.
Installing a hand-held shower will help
someone whose movements are limited.
The bathtub can be cushioned to prevent
injury if they fall in it.
The kitchen can have a lowered work area so
that seated users can work without any problem.
