When you're caring for a senior loved one, a safe environment at home becomes more important than ever. They may be recovering from surgery or struggling with an illness. Mobility issues require a game plan to make it easier for them to get around. When you're looking for solutions to create an accessible environment at home for a senior parent, this guide offers actionable tips.
Benefits of Creating an Accessible Environment
Making the necessary modifications to your senior loved one's home can help make it a more secure place to live. Creating an accessible environment in their home can provide several benefits, including:
Improved Safety
The most obvious benefit of creating an accessible environment is improved safety. When you're making changes to your senior parent's home, focus on making it easier to navigate and reducing or eliminating fall risks. You want a clear path of travel so that they can easily get from one room to another.
Increased Quality of Life
The second benefit of creating an accessible home is improved quality of life. Many seniors face mobility issues, so having a home that is easy to move around in can help them to stay independent and enjoy life.
Strategies for Managing Floorspace
When creating an accessible environment, it is essential to maximize floor space. To do this, consider the following strategies:
Minimizing Clutter
To create an accessible environment for your senior loved one, minimize clutter. Get rid of anything that's not being used regularly. This can include any furniture or items that are taking up too much space.
Utilizing Vertical Space
Another strategy for managing floorspace is to utilize vertical space. Consider adding shelves or racks to the walls to store items and make the most of the space.
Organizing Spaces
Organizing spaces can help to make the most of the available floor space. This can include things like putting items in labeled containers, opting for hidden storage solutions, and bringing order closets and cupboards.
Considerations for Making a Home Accessible
When creating an accessible environment, there are a few things to keep in mind, such as:
Accessibility Guidelines
When making modifications to your senior loved one's home, always take time to learn building codes, regulations, and accessibility guidelines. Different jurisdictions have different regulations, so make sure to research your local requirements before making any major changes.
Widening Doorways and Hallways
For many seniors with mobility issues, having a home that's easier to navigate means having wider doorways and hallways. This can help to create a clear path of travel and make it easier to get from one room to the next.
Installing Handrails and Guards
Another consideration is to install handrails and guards. Handrails are particularly important for providing support and reducing the risk of falls. You should start the installation in the bathroom. If you feel like your senior loved one would benefit from additional handrails, you can work in their bedroom next.
Modifying Bathrooms
Finally, it is important to modify bathrooms to make them accessible. This includes installing grab bars, widening doorways, and eliminating trip hazards.
Senior Helpers Milwaukee Provides Daily Living Assistance to Ensure Your Senior Loved One's Safety
At Senior Helpers Milwaukee, we understand the importance of creating an accessible home environment. We also strive to provide our clients with the best possible care in Milwaukee, Glendale, Brookfield, and Germantown. Contact our office today to learn more ways we can help!