Do you have an older relative, such as a grandmother or great-uncle, who sometimes comes over to stay at your home for a few days?
Do you ever feel bad that certain things are so complicated for your elderly loved one, and you wish you can somehow make her stay just a little less intense for her?
Well, here are some tips for you to make your home more senior-friendly, so that the elderly person in your life will have an easier stay at your home.
Sleeping Quarters
Be sure to have your loved one sleep on the first floor.
Climbing stairs can be arduous for seniors, and also can put them at a bigger risk of experiencing a fall.
If you have any room on the first floor that your guest can possibly sleep in, do whatever you can to make that possible.
This will alleviate stress on your part, and on the part of your elderly relative.
Personal Needs
Here’s something else that can make it easier for your elderly visitor: having a portable handicap toilet in the bedroom.
This way, she won’t have to find her way to the bathroom in the dark of the night.
There are different types of handicap commodes; there are padded options, and there’s even a bariatric option if you need.
Lights On
In order to prevent fall fiascos, be sure to ensure that there is adequate lighting on the floor the person is staying on.
The importance of this cannot be highlighted enough. It’s so easy – just don’t shut the lights! – but it’s so crucial.
Clutter Cleared
Often, elderly people have degenerating vision.
This makes it harder for them to see if things are left out.
Also, sometimes people who are older have delayed reflexes, so even if they see that the item is there, it may be too late, because their reflex doesn’t have enough time to play out in action.
Because of all this, items left on the floor can be literal stumbling blocks for older people.
So, if you’re having a senior over, before they arrive, clear all clutter from the floor!
These are just a few easily implementable tips for anyone who’s having an older person come over to visit.
As a responsible hostess, you want to make sure that your guest is having the grandest time possible, and the tips we mentioned can help it be so.
Happy hosting!