Adapting Homes to Seniors’ Changing Needs
Guelph Senior Home Care | October 1, 2024
Canadians are choosing to age in place, staying in their homes rather than moving to alternative retirement settings.
But that often means they must modify their home so it’s not a danger to their safety and health when their physical abilities change.
According to Canada Public Health, senior falls are the leading cause of injury among older Canadians, with 20-30% of seniors experiencing one or more falls each year. The average Canadian senior had to stay in the hospital ten days longer for falls than for any other cause.
Environmental factors lead to about half of all falls that occur at home. In addition to tripping hazards and poor lighting, these factors include a lack of needed modifications, such as bathroom grab bars, handicapped showers, stair railings and ramps.
Home modifications help seniors maintain their quality of life. They often prevent injuries that lead to a loss of independence and early admission to an assisted living or long-term care facility.
The following are examples of commonly recommended modifications:
- Install grab bars for toilets and tubs and install a walk-in tub and/or tub seat
- Remove unnecessary throw rugs and fasten down rugs or floor runners to prevent slipping
- Move furniture to create clear walking paths
- Keep objects off the floor and coil or secure cords to the wall to prevent tripping
- Replace door knobs with lever door handles
- Apply non-slip tape on uncarpeted indoor and outdoor steps
- Replace standard light switches with rocker-style switches
- Increase the width of doorways and hallways to accommodate wheelchairs and, where possible, lower sinks and countertops
- Move often-used items to lower cabinets to avoid the need for step stools
- Repair or replace loose handrails and install adequate lighting in stairways
- Install an elevator or chair lift
- Install an elevated dishwasher or one with drawers for easy access
- Replace old stoves with induction cooktops to help prevent burns
- Replace ceramic tile floors with hardwood or vinyl for safe standing
Shedding Light on Home Modification
When modifying a home for a senior, don’t forget the importance of good lighting. Seniors need two to three times as much light in order to see as well as younger people.
Good lighting — in the form of natural light — provides seniors safety and other advantages:
- Sunlight provides a good dose of vitamin D, which helps the body absorb more calcium to strengthen teeth and bones. Choose window treatments that let in sunlight, without glare, to enhance the health of seniors, many of who get outside less than they used to.
- Daylight also improves psychological health. It lessens the energy-zapping effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and other forms of depression.
To learn more about this topic or about our in-home care services, contact Comfort Keepers Halton Hills, Milton and Guelph at 905-877-2999 / 519-760-3408 today.