Mother and daughter having a good time together

Many seniors feel more comfortable retiring in their own homes. Understandably so, as their homes have served as a place to unwind and grow as a family for many years. This makes it hard for them to leave their cherished memories and possessions. If your loved one is opting for this option, you might want to look into the things you have to do to make their retirement as safe as possible:

  • Go for Bump-free Floors

    Remove all clutter and decorations from hallways, doorways, and stairways to reduce the chances of tripping, stumbling, or falling. Rugs and doormats are a tripping hazard so consider removing them if possible. If the floors are slippery, use skid-proof and well-secured rugs and wear proper footwear that has good traction to avoid slipping.

  • Clean the Kitchen Clutter

    For retirement at home to be as hassle-free as possible, keep the essentials only. This achieves two things – removing the clutters and keeping the place as safe as possible. Keeping the essentials includes throwing away expired food, moving all necessary items lower or higher to prevent the need for step stools, and storing any flammable items in a safe place.

  • Offer Support (Literally)

    Seniors are not as nimble as they were before. Careful consideration of high fall-risk areas like the showers, toilets, stairs, and hallways must be done at all times. Bars could be placed in showers and on both sides of the toilet. An electric stairlift is also an option if climbing up the stairs is becoming too difficult.

  • Maintain Electric and Plumbing Functions

    This refers to the electrical wirings, plumbing, pipes, faucets, and other appliances that might pose hazards to their everyday activities. These are easily overlooked since we’re so used to being around it. However, mislabeled faucets (i.e., cold instead of hot) or leaky pipes could be dangerous in the future if not immediately fixed. It is also helpful to set the water heater at a temperature that won’t scald. An automatic shut-off feature is something you should look out for when buying an appliance for them. Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors should also be checked regularly. Lastly, outlets and plugs should be organized to prevent electrical fires.

  • In Case Of Emergency

    Emergency contact numbers should be posted in handy locations (i.e., by the phone and/or refrigerator). First Aid kits, as well as flashlights, should also be easily accessible. It is important that we always remind our loved ones to follow these guidelines for their safety. Another good option is to hire a professional caregiver to help your loved one with his or her activities of daily living. Seniors are good at acknowledging reminders, but having someone there to take care of them and be ready for any emergencies would help ease their life at home.

Nest & Care is a dedicated in-home care in Montgomery County, MD. We provide service in Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, and its neighboring communities. If you’re looking for a dedicated and professional caregiver who can help a loved one for their daily needs, Nest & Care can help. We carefully match each client with the best caregiver and formulate an individualized plan that best suits the family’s needs and goals. Excellent service to our clients and families is of paramount importance to us. Call us today for your free in-home assessment by a Nest & Care Registered Nurse.