Elder Home Care - How to Elder Proof A House

By Lyn Vincent

Every elder wants to stay in his or her own home for as long as their health would allow them. In achieving this goal, several changes within the home would be necessary. Deterioration in health, reduced mobility, weakness, falls, arthritis, poor vision, dementia are some of the conditions that may affect functional ability and thus increase the risk for accidents and injury in the home. These changes would promote safety, encourage functional independence and help carers carry out their function more efficiently. Below is some equipment to help make the home elder proof.

Elder Proof Lounge - As frailty begins to have its toll on the elder performing simple task such as sit to stand from chairs and sofas becomes difficult and more effort is required to accomplish the task. Raising the height of chairs and sofas would make a difference as the added height would make it easier for the elder to sit to stand independently with or without the use of hands. Chair raisers are used in elevating low chairs in the home. The riser recliner chair is also a suitable option for those who can afford it. It is particularly beneficial to those who have no strength to push up from sitting.

Elder Proof Bedroom - Getting in and out of the bed is another difficulty the elder could encounter in the home; he may consider trading in a very high bed for a bed with an ideal height or get bed raisers to raise a low bed. A bed loop is a useful tool in completing bed transfers and so is a leg lifter. Electric beds are also beneficial if they can be afforded.

Elder Proof Bathroom - Grab rails, bath boards and bath seats are useful tools that could be fitted to help getting in and out of the bath become easier for the elder. A bath lift is a better solution if this can be afforded. Shower stools or shower seats could be used in the shower. Other options if the elder is willing to consider it would be converting the bath room into a shower room or perhaps a wet room.

Elder Proof Toileting - Many elders are particularly concerned with their toileting due to increased urinary frequency and urgency. A commode is a welcomed option for night use as it can positioned close to the bed. An elder with much reduced mobility would also find the commode beneficial during the daytime due to ease of access. The glideabout commode is a commode on wheels. Carers prefer this option as it could be used for transportation within the home. A grab rail or toilet frame gives the elder something to hold on to if he /she depend on the use of the hands in sitting to standing. A toilet which is too low for the elder can also be fitted with a raised toilet seat.

Elder Proof Kitchen - A perching stool is a useful tool in the home for completing simple everyday tasks such as washing up, preparing drinks or simple meals as the elder might need a resting spot when performing these tasks. The perching stool can also be used in the bathroom for strip washing, brushing or shaving. A kitchen trolley is useful in transporting drinks and meals from the kitchen.

An elder who lives in a house with steps or/and stairs may want to consider the following adaptations in the home:

- Stair rails and grab rails

- Stair lift - Convert steps to ramp

- Consider downstairs living if there is enough space for a bed and access to a bathroom and toilet In the event where the above adaptations to the home will not make much difference, the elder may need to consider relocation to a step free bungalow.

De-cluttering the home would create enough space for mobility and equipment and also reduce the risk of a fall. Removing all loose rugs and carpets and ensuring that wires and cables are safely tucked away or taped would also reduce the risk of a fall.

It is very important that the necessary permission is obtained from the house owner before commencing with any adaptation in the home.

Making a home elder proof can be an expensive project and it may be beneficial for the elder to consider applying for a grant from the local authority or applying to the local authority to provide some if not all of the equipment. It is worth knowing that each local authority have strict criteria for granting applications.

An elder proof home may be expensive but it is worth it.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lyn_Vincent

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~For more information, you might enjoy reading my book, More Than Meets the Eye True Stories about Death, Dying, and Afterlife. Purchase paperback on Amazon.com. It's also on Amazon as an e-book for those who have Kindle or Sony Readers. The audio book is now available!
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