Keeping your senior as safe as possible at home is likely a big goal for you and for her. These tips can be implemented quickly and aren’t big budget solutions.
Use Non-skid Strips on Stairs and in the Bathroom
Non-skid strips are something that you can use in multiple areas of your senior’s home. The most common locations are going to be in the bathroom, like in the tub, or on stairs. There are different varieties for those different locations, but they’re equally useful in making sure that your senior has solid footing on which she can rely.
Remove or Replace Throw Rugs
Throw rugs can present a big problem, especially if they have no backing on them. They tend to slip and slide, usually when your senior least expects it. The easiest way to deal with slippery throw rugs is to simply remove them. If you can find versions that have a grippy underside or you can use a grippy layer underneath, that might be an acceptable option. You just have to be careful that the rug doesn’t become a tripping hazard now that it’s not a sliding hazard.
Swap out Standard Doorknobs for Levers
Standard round doorknobs aren’t usually a problem for most people, but if your senior has developed any sort of mobility issues in her hands then doorknobs might be an issue. Swapping them out for lever-style handles ensures that your senior doesn’t have to use any grip strength to turn the handle. It’s much easier for her to use the side of her hand or even her forearm or elbow to open the door.
Raise the Toilet
When the toilet is a little too low for your senior, that can make for some awkward maneuvering on her part. On a bad day, that might mean that she loses her balance and ends up falling. One way to avoid that is to raise the toilet just a few inches. There are seats you can swap out that do the raising for you.
Stop Using Slippery Floor Cleaners
If you’re using any sort of slippery floor cleaners, either a wax or something else, it’s a good idea to find another solution. Cleaning floors with the simplest preparation possible, even just warm water, might be the best way to go. That helps to ensure that the floor is clean, but that it’s not slippery afterward, which can be a huge hazard.
You may still be looking for help with managing safety concerns, especially if you and your senior have just started doing so. Elderly care providers can help you to spot areas you might have overlooked. There are lots of other ways they can help, too.
If you or an aging loved one needs Elderly Care in Elk Grove, CA, remember Senior Home Care Services. Call us at (916) 514-7006 for more information.
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