As people age, it's common for them to experience a decline in vision. This can make the home environment more challenging to navigate and, in many cases, potentially hazardous. It is important for family members or caregivers of seniors with failing vision to identify potential hazards and take steps to ensure that their loved ones are safe at home.
Identifying Potential Hazards in the Home
When identifying potential hazards in the home, caregivers should take a look at things that may pose a danger. Things to look at may include:
- Uneven or slippery floors
- Cluttered walkways or stairs
- Loose cords or wires
- Rugs that can be easily tripped on
- Poor lighting
- Unstable furniture
A quick walk through the home to check for those elements can make it easier for caregivers to keep their senior loved ones safe.
Tripping Hazards
Tripping hazards are a major concern in the home of someone with a failing vision. To reduce tripping hazards, caregivers should make sure all loose cords and wires are secured or tucked away. Placing rugs securely on the floor and removing any unnecessary items that can easily be stumbled over can also help clear the way for seniors with failing vision.
Poor Lighting
It's important to make sure there are adequate lights in all the main living areas, hallways and stairs so that seniors can more easily navigate those areas as their vision declines. Caregivers should consider installing additional task lighting in places like bathrooms, kitchens, and bedrooms to further improve visibility.
Unstable Furniture or Appliances
Seniors may reach out to grasp furniture or appliances as they move through the house, using them to provide additional stability and support. Caregivers should make sure all furniture is stable and secure, particularly items like beds, chairs, bookshelves, and dressers. Additionally, they should make sure any large appliances such as washers and dryers are secured to the wall so they don't tip over.
Easy Upgrades for a Safer Home
Several easy upgrades can be made to make a home safer and more convenient.
Motion Sensor Lighting
It is a great way to ensure that pathways and stairs are well-lit. Motion sensors can prevent fumbling for the light switch and ensure that hallways and paths remain lit no matter which direction a senior comes from.
Non-Slip Flooring
Non-slip flooring can help decrease fall risk by improving overall traction. While non-slip flooring can be helpful in any area of the house, it can prove most useful in high-use areas with a greater risk of drips and spills, like kitchens and bathrooms.
Handrails
Handrails can help offer additional support and stability, giving seniors extra guidance that can make it easier for them to navigate through the house safely. They are particularly important if the senior is using a wheelchair or walker.
Contact Senior Helpers Milford-Franklin for Help for Senior Loved Ones With Failing Vision
If you are a senior with a failing vision, or if you are a caregiver for a senior with a failing vision, there are many things you can do to make your home safer. Motion sensor lighting, non-slip flooring, handrails, and general cleanup can all make a huge difference in overall safety. Do you need additional help for yourself or a senior loved one whose vision has started to fail? If you live in Milford, Franklin, Stoughton, Webster, Foxboro, or Sharon, contact Senior Helpers Milford-Franklin today. We offer in-home care services that can help seniors with activities of daily living, including transportation, light housekeeping, and meal preparation. Our caregivers are trained in fall prevention and can provide the extra support needed to keep seniors safe at home even as their vision starts to fail.