Suggestions for Staying Safe In Your Home As You Age
Posted on: 16 March 2018
Even if you're getting along in years, you may not be ready to sell your home and find an assisted living facility just yet. However, you do need to be honest about your own physical health, and consider any decreased mobility, forgetfulness, and other issues you might be facing. Your doctor can give you personalized recommendations for how to stay safe in your home for as long as possible, but note a few suggestions you might also consider as well.
Balance issues
Give your home a thorough inventory of items that could hinder any balance issues you experience; for example, a thick area rug might be a tripping hazard, or one with a slick back can actually slide out from underneath you. Remove these from the home, to avoid trips and falls, or replace them with something safer.
Wood interior stairs can also be very slick and dangerous, so add nonslip safety tape to each step. Add solar lights along outdoor pathways, so that you can easily see these after the sun goes down, and double-check the handrails of porches or decks, so you can tighten their connectors or replace them with something strong and sturdy, as needed.
Medications
If you regularly take medications, now is the time to get them organized. This might mean more than just a pill sorter, with a slot for every day of the week, as some medications need to be taken on an empty stomach, some at a certain time of the day, and so on. Invest in small plastic food storage containers or sturdy sandwich bags, and label each with more detailed instructions for your meds; for example, one container might say, "Monday at 3:00 p.m., on an empty stomach," and the like. The larger tub or bag gives you more room to add those detailed instructions that will help keep your medications organized.
Home healthcare
Now is also the time to investigate the use of a home healthcare service. This might mean a visiting nurse who can monitor your physical condition and medications, or it might mean someone who helps you with physical therapy, and takes you for walks to ensure you're getting your exercise while also staying safe! Home healthcare might also include taking care of household chores that are getting difficult, such as laundry or cleaning. Investigating these services now can ensure you know what to expect by way of cost, and can ensure you're using those services to help you stay in your home as long as possible.
For more information, contact experts in personal care.
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