Most homes are designed for people who are young and able to move around freely. For this reason, as people age, their homes may not be up to par. As adults age, they often modify their homes to fit their needs. This may mean putting in a few extra rooms, or even remodeling certain rooms to add storage and space. As seniors age, home modifications may be more directed towards safety. If you are living alone, then a few safety modifications may be necessary to keep you comfortable and safe. Elderly homes should include modifications to keep the seniors living on their own sufficient, mobile, safe, secure and comfortable. Kitchens and bathrooms are key rooms to modify for seniors, especially if they have difficulties moving around on their own. However, bedrooms are also very important. Many people spend a lot of time in their bedrooms. If you have issues with mobility, then safety modifications in your bedroom are key to keeping you safe and preventing falls. Without certain modifications, seniors could wake up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom or get a drink and accidentally fall. These falls could be extremely dangerous. For this reason, the bedroom is often the best place to start your very own safety modifications. Here are a few renovations that can be easily installed in your bedroom to keep you safe and healthy.
Clapping Lights
Lights that turn on whenever you clap are fantastic for seniors. These lights will prevent elderly people from having to get out of bed to turn off the lights. Plus, they also can act as night lights if you have to get up in the middle of the night for the bathroom or to get a drink. Many falls occur at night due to poor vision and darkness in the bedroom. These lights allow you to turn them on before you get out of bed so that you can see your way into the bathroom or out of your bedroom. Clapping lights are a great, simple addition to any senior’s bedroom. Plus, they are very inexpensive, and are easy to install.
Walker or Cane near Bed
If you have any form of mobility disability, then it is a great idea to keep a walker or cane next to your bed. By doing so, you can prevent any falls during the middle of the night, and keep yourself safe. Even if you do not have a mobility disability, it is not a bad idea to keep a small cane near your bed. If you have to get out of bed quickly for any reason, then you can use the cane while you catch your bearings.
Bars on the Wall
For seniors who have mobility issues, installing bars on their bedroom walls is a must. Grab bars can help the elderly move throughout their bedroom safely and comfortably. They can easily be installed in an afternoon, and can make all the difference in how well you are able to maneuver through your bedroom. Place the bars at your arm’s natural height along your wall for the best use. You can also install them on sides of dressers and on doors if necessary. If your bedroom has an en suite bathroom, then make sure you install bars in the bathroom as well.
Rails on the Bed
Falls are a huge concern for many seniors, especially if they live alone. To keep yourself safe and healthy in your own home, it is important that you eliminate any ways that you can fall. One great way to reduce falls and keep you safe in your own bedroom is to install small rails on the sides of your bed. These rails will keep you from rolling off the bed, and will aid you in sitting up in bed and getting out of the bed. You can grab onto them whenever you are climbing in or out of the bed, and use the bars to lift yourself up whenever necessary.
Low Beds
Lowering your bed can also help prevent falls and keep you safe while in your bedroom. Today’s obsession with pillow top mattresses has risen beds up quite a few inches, and risen the risk of falls for many seniors. If your bed is so high that you have to climb into it instead of simply sitting down on it, then your bed could cause you to fall at some point. If possible, lower your mattress by buying a lower frame or smaller box springs. You can greatly reduce your risk of falling out of the bed, or losing your footing when standing up if your bed is lower.
Portable Toilets in the Bedroom
If you often have to get up in the middle of the night to use the restroom, then you may want to invest in getting a portable toilet to sit beside your bed. These toilets are very inexpensive and will reduce the distance that you will have to walk in order to use the restroom. Portable toilets are especially great for those who have mobility issues and have trouble making it to the restroom each night.
Making small renovations or upgrades to your bedroom can make a huge difference. As people age, they love keeping their independence. With a few simple renovations and additions they easily can continue living alone and staying safe. If you or your elderly relative lives by themselves, then consider following a few of these tips. You can easily install a few simple items in your bedroom or your relative’s bedroom to ensure safety and comfort. Remember though not to stop at the bedroom. It is important to make small renovations around the whole house to keep yourself or your relatives safe. Bathrooms, kitchens and living rooms can all be modified slightly to keep seniors safe.
Please check these other posts in our home care blog about safety:
