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When Design Meets Purpose: Creating a Safe Home for Elderly Loved

While you can always count on an elder care provider for all-round care; it is equally important to ensure that your house provides a safe environment to those who gave their all to you, unconditionally. On that note, we present some simple tips to help make different parts of your home as safe and comfortable as possible for elderly loved ones. Read on.

3 min read · Updated 2023-04-30

Hand-drawn line illustration of a raised toilet seat, a pair of glasses and a handheld shower and grab bar for the guide "When Design Meets Purpose"

Entryways

The entryways of your home should be well-lit and not have any clutter. Avoid placing objects such as planters, shoe racks, alley chests, and other similar items in the entryway. To make the passage even safer, you can install sensors that automatically turn on the lights when someone comes within range. If needed, you can also consider adding a ramp.

Kitchen

First and foremost, it is extremely important to keep knives, scissors, and other sharp objects in an enclosed storage area, to minimize the possibility of your elderly loved ones meeting with an accident. Secondly, do not store hazardous items such as cleaning agents along with eatables, and avoid using artificial fruits and vegetables for decorative purposes.

Hand-drawn line illustration of a bowl of food, a potted plant and a handheld shower and grab bar, for the section "Kitchen" of When Design Meets Purpose
Illustration: Kitchen

Walkways

Besides keeping off items such as hoses, foliage, and other debris, it is advisable to mark the edges of the walkway with bright tape, so that it’s easier for the elderly to navigate. In addition, avoid using carpets in the walkways, especially if you have finely polished flooring, and apply non-slip wax or spray, if necessary.

Bedroom

First of all, the bed you choose should be slightly greater in height than the length of the user’s shin (the space between the knee and ankle), as it allows them to easily get on and off it. Make sure there is an unobstructed path for movement and the room has no furniture with sharp edges.

Bathroom

Besides keeping off items such as hoses, foliage, and other debris, it is advisable to mark the edges of the walkway with bright tape, so that it’s easier for the elderly to navigate. In addition, avoid using carpets in the walkways, especially if you have finely polished flooring, and apply non-slip wax or spray, if necessary.

Hand-drawn line illustration of a path through the hills, a handheld shower and grab bar and a potted plant, for the section "Bathroom" of When Design Meets Purpose
Illustration: Bathroom

Walkways (2)

Besides keeping off items such as hoses, foliage, and other debris, it is advisable to mark the edges of the walkway with bright tape, so that it’s easier for the elderly to navigate. In addition, avoid using carpets in the walkways, especially if you have finely polished flooring, and apply non-slip wax or spray, if necessary.

Bathroom (2)

The bathroom should have grab bars near the toilet as well as the bathing area. To minimize the chances of slips and falls, you can put some non-skid strips in the shower area, place a shower mat or install a shower seat. Hazardous items such as electrical appliances and cleaning products should be stored in an enclosed space. You can also consider removing door locks, if needed.

About our care services

While the tips presented above should go a long way in helping you create a safer abode for elderly loved ones, it is advisable to hire a professional who can carry out an audit of your home and design a custom upgrade solution to fill the gaps. Equipped with extensive experience in delivering world-class senior care leveraging cutting-edge technology, Emoha Elder Care is positioned to address virtually every conceivable need concerning the safety and wellbeing of your elderly loved ones. To schedule a free, no-obligation home safety audit, fill out our contact form or simply call 1800-123-445555. You can also write to us at eldersfirst@emoha.com.

Tags: Lifestyle #Innovative Ideas #EldersLoveBathroom and toilet safetyWall-fixed grab barShower chair with backHealthy ageingElder care

Written by the Emoha editorial team. General information only.

This article is for general education and is not medical advice. Speak to your doctor before changing your exercise, diet or medicines.

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