As we age, nothing is more comfortable psychologically than being in the same house we have been in for many years. There is a feeling of belonging, knowing where what is, having trusted neighbours, and so on. However, it is also true that as we age, we become less flexible and mobile with more chances of falls and may need assistance with certain activities.
Often, kids request their parents to leave behind their home, city, or even country to come and stay with them so that they can take care of their parents. However, this is not an easy option for most parents. They prefer to continue living in their own house. So, to live in their house seniors will have to make some changes so that they can live safely, and securely.
What are the changes Seniors may need in their homes in near future:
- Are doorways wide enough to allow wheelchairs to pass through if required?
- Are the stairs narrow or steep, or do they allow for easy movement with something to grab on?
- Are the toilet seats the right height for you?
- Do you have grab bars in the bathroom and corridors so you can move freely and grab on, if you slip up?
- Are some furniture not as comfortable as earlier?
- Can furniture placement be changed for convenience?
- Are the heights of kitchen cupboards and counters an issue?
- Is the placement of electric switches easily reachable?
- Do the door knobs need a change from round to the ones that can be more easily gripped?
- Are the doors and windows secured enough? Can a video security system improve safety aspect?
When you inspect the complete home, many points will come up for discussion. One could always consider the help from the experts, who can do a home safety audit and suggest changes which are required.
Make Possible Changes
You may not have to break down walls or make significant changes to your home, which can be traumatic and expensive. Discuss with your near and dear ones and create a list of must-have changes.
The must-haves could be:
- Bathroom changes
- Grab bars wherever needed
- Video-security and alarm systems
- Plumbing and electrical changes.
The plumbing and electric changes can be minimal to ensure that you have at least one or two switches fixed where you need them most. You may also want night lights in the bedroom and bathroom, etc. You could use bath chairs and anti skid mats to ensure safety in bathrooms. Did you know that changing door knobs from round ones to flat ones can make it easier for people with arthritis issues to grab them better? These are minimal changes you can make.
If you have resources and option to do so, you can consider switching over to smart lighting system that are highly intuitive. Also, ensure that you eliminate or move furniture with pointed edges out of the way, especially for cots. Either change your cots to senior friendly ones or install side rails for your cots, as fall from beds are common cause of fall injury among seniors. Furniture should be kept minimal and functional. Foe example, chairs could be ergonomically (in a way that minimizes physical effort or discomfort and maximizes efficiency) designed or easy chairs that aid their back while watching TV. Sofas should not be too low.
In the stairs install bars for holding while climbing or going down. Now a days even stair lifts option is also available, if you can not climb stairs.
Create a Network
Apart from physical changes within the house, it is also essential to ensure that there is a trusted and known network to get chores done. For example, maids, drivers, cloth ironing personnel, etc., should ideally have their backgrounds checked to ensure that they are safe for providing entry into your house. You could set up weekly grocery and vegetable deliveries from the local shops or online or have the maid do the grocery shopping. Switch to online banking, so that visit to bank can be avoided. Make yourself tech-savvy to the extent that you can conduct most errands online. If necessary, seek help from trusted people to do any chores out of ordinary, like painting your house, or getting some plumbing done, etc.
With a little initial effort, it is not tough to continue living independently in our own house.
Waiting for your feedback on this blog.
Anil Malik
Mumbai, India
30th Aril 202