The key to aging in place is safety
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| Photo by Max Bender on Unsplash |
If asked, most people would say they prefer to stay in their home until the end of their life. But unfortunately, an accident in the home often becomes the reason for leaving the home they love.
It is possible to age in place if advance planning is made to prevent falls and accidents.
Some changes or adaptations to consider are:
1) Use a handheld grabber or reacher to help access items off a shelf or something that falls to the floor.
2) Wear socks with grips on the bottom to prevent slipping.
3) Install anti-slip mats or remove mats all together to prevent slipping in the bathroom, bedroom, or kitchen.
4) Install motion sensor lights in every room including hallways.
5) Install walk-in tubs, shower seats, raised toilet seats, and grab bars in bathrooms. Use bedrails and adjustable overbed tables in the bedroom.
6) Purchase recliners that also tilt forward to help the user reach a standing position.
7) Consider hearing devices to amplify sound from telephones and televisions; try out the variety of hearing aids that are now on the market.
Do not wait until safety becomes the reason you or a loved one needs to leave home. Have an expert on aging perform an in-home assessment to address and find solutions to potential risks to aging in place. Call the Pastoral Care office for a recommendation. Be proactive to help ensure aging in place is not only possible, but safe.
Linda M. Walsh, RN, BSN
770-552-6400 x6019
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