As people get older, some basic tasks can become a lot more difficult. But luckily, the modern world has provided may solutions for this, and there are now many ways that an elderly person can continue to enjoy an active lifestyle both in and out of the home by making a few adjustments, and with the help of some clever gadgets!
Small gadgets around the hope such as a grabber can make a huge difference to quality of life. Putting handrails around rooms as well as in the bath and shower is another excellent way to ensure that you have an extra element of safety. Kettle tippers and plugs that stop the water from overflowing are other great ways to add a bit of safety to the home.
When going out and about, a walking stick or frame can be helpful, but for a longer day out a mobility scooter is a great way to get around. You can get one form this mobility scooters Bristol based suppliers. Whether it’s a day at the beach or a trip to the shops, this can hugely improve quality of life for someone struggling to walk longer distances.
Another good addition to the home is a ramp to go in and out. This is much safer than steps and can be used with a wheelchair or scooter. Ramps can also be added inside the home for easy access around the house as well as out to the garden.
Making stairs and bathrooms safer
For most people a fall means a few cuts and bruises, but for an older person it can mean broken bones, a hospital stay or worse. That makes fall prevention one of the most important reasons to adapt a home.
Stairs are where some of the most serious falls happen. Make sure the staircase is well lit and the carpet is firmly fixed down. A stairlift adds a further layer of safety for anyone who is unsteady on their feet.
The bathroom is the other main risk. A shower is safer than climbing in and out of a bath, and a shower seat, handrails and non-slip mats all cut the chance of slipping. Outside, replacing steps with ramps makes it easier to get in and out of the house, especially for anyone who uses a wheelchair or travels in a wheelchair-accessible vehicle. Small changes like these help an older person stay independent at home for longer.
Safer access, floors and kitchens
Accidents in the home become more likely with age, and they tend to be more serious, so a few adaptations can make a real difference. If a scooter or wheelchair is used, the house should be adapted to suit it. Ramps at the entrance make coming and going easier and safer, and wider doorways help with moving around inside.
Handrails along walls give support throughout the home. Rugs are a common tripping hazard and are best removed. Fitted carpets are fine, but check that edges and corners are secure, particularly on and around the stairs.
The kitchen carries many risks, but simple gadgets help. A kettle tipper allows a full kettle to be tilted without lifting it, reducing the risk of scalds, and an automatic tin opener removes the need to grip and twist. Small changes like these help an older person stay independent while keeping everyday tasks safe.
Reducing hazards around the home
Home should be a safe place, but for an older person it can hold plenty of hazards, particularly where eyesight, memory or mobility are failing. Falls are a special concern because older bones are weaker, so an injury that a younger person would shrug off can be far more serious.
The kitchen is one of the riskiest rooms, but a range of gadgets can make it safer and easier to manage. Kettle tippers remove the need to lift a full, heavy kettle, and electric can openers save struggling with stiff tins.
Many older people rely on wheelchairs or mobility scooters, so the home needs to accommodate them. Ramps at entrances make getting in and out much easier, and widening doorways allows chairs and scooters to move around freely. Inside, ramps can replace small steps between rooms, as they are safer and far less of a trip hazard than a raised threshold.