host posted on November 10, 2009 10:30
by Leslie Garcia
Aging at home is vitally important to seniors' mental and physical well-being. When you can age in place, you see less decline in both physical and mental capacities. These changes make a huge difference in people's lives. One is truly a safety issue. The other part is the independence factor: You can feel better and do more for yourself. You want an environment that fits. It shouldn't be too stressful, but stressful enough so you feel independent. Too stressful can cause decline; not stressfull enough can also. SAFETY TIPS
- REMOVE THROW RUGS, which are a tripping hazard. If you must have one in the bathroom, put it away after you bathe.
- USE NIGHT LIGHTS
- KEEP A PHONE CLOSE BY. One should be near a favorite chair or your bed and reachable from the floor in case you fall.
- WATCH OUT FOR THRESHOLDS. They're fall hazards. They're raised one-fourth to one-half inch and can make a big difference. A handy man can even them out. They might not look as good, but that might save your Life.
- IN AN EMERGENCY, you might not be able to think clearly so write the numbers 9-1-1, plus your name, address and phone number on a piece of masking tape and stick it to your phone.
- INVEST IN DEVICES THAT ACTIVATE INDOOR LIGHTING based on how dark it is outside, rather than a certain time of day. That way, lights come on automatically when, for instance, the sky darkens before a storm.
- HIRE AN ELECTRICIAN TO MOVE OUTLETS 36 inches from the floor so you don't have to lean down to plug in cords.
- MAKE SURE ROOMS ARE WELL-LIGHTED. You need three times as much light in your 70's as you do in your 30's.
KITCHEN:
- Make sure the stove controls are in front of the burners. If you have loose sleeves and reach across to turn off the burner, it's a fire hazard.
- Use Lazy Susans to reach items stored deep in cabinets.
- Microwave ovens shlould be no more than 48 inches from the floor.
BATHROOM:
- Put Shampoo and soap dispensers on the shower wall. You won't have to bend down to reach them.
- If you must wear powder, put it on in your bathroom. Talcum powder and tile floors make for a slippery combination.
- Get a chair for the shower and a handheld showerhead. If you sit while showering you can avoid possible falls.
- A grab bar makes getting in and out of the tub easier.