Make your home safer as you age

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Living at home as you age requires careful consideration and planning. You need to learn how you can make some changes to help maintain your independence. And an important step is that you need to repair the house for the elderly.

1. Repairing houses for the elderly

The issue of how to take care of the elderly is being concerned by many families. Aging takes away your health, agility, and more. There are jobs that are very simple when you are young, but when you get older, they become problems that hinder you.
The house that you have lived in for several decades, but now it causes obstacles to your daily activities, you are wondering if it is really necessary to fix the house to suit the current situation. yours or not, and if so, what do you have to fix, how?
1. 1. Is home repair needed for the elderly? Would a few changes make your home easier and safer to live in? Think of things like a ramp on the front door, grab bars in the bath or shower, neat floors, more comfortable handles on doors or faucets, and better insulation.
Are you not sure about your feet like before? Is it a little harder to walk through a room?
If you find it difficult to move around in your house, and there are areas that become dangerous for you, it's time to get your house repaired.
1. 2. Renovating homes for the elderly You can make moving around in the house easier. This will save you from worrying about getting injured from a slip or fall. A safe zone should be created for the elderly by:
Clearing up the clutter: Ask a friend or family member to help you clean up anything that might interfere as you pass. Phone cords, power cords, pet bowls, and other things can cause trouble. Move it out of the way or think about removing it. Light up the house: As you get older, you need more light to see. Make sure you have easy access to light switches, especially at the bottom and top of any stairs. Turn on the lights before you get up to move. And always know where your flashlight is in the event of a power outage. Stairs for the elderly: If your home has stairs, put handrails on both sides. Hold onto the railing as you go up or down stairs and go slowly. If you're carrying anything, make sure you can see your every step.

Eliminate Slippery Places: Use self-adhesive, non-slip mats or safety mats in bathtubs, showers and pools. Place non-slip mats on the bathroom floor and undermats on the floor. Handrails: Consider installing grab bars on both sides of the toilet and tub. Place handrails in the shower and wherever you need them. Carpets: Toss floor mats or secure them in place with double-sided tape. More than half of all falls that occur at home involve floor mats. This simple fix can help you keep your home safe. Keep items where you use them: Keep items you use often like food, canned goods, dishes, and clothes where you can easily reach them. This way, you won't have to climb on the chair to get your stuff. Wear sturdy shoes inside and outside the house: Sturdy shoes help you keep your balance. Avoid wearing slippers or going barefoot. Once your home is a safe zone, you will have fewer accidents. You can walk with more confidence and a new sense of independence. But talk to your doctor if you have any difficulties. They can refer you to a professional therapist who can come to your home and teach you how to make more changes.

2. Knowledge and strength are important to the elderly

Whether you're at home or on the go, two other things can reduce your chances of falling:
Know the side effects of medications : Read the label on any medicine you take or check with your doctor your doctor or pharmacist, to see if any of these medicines can make you feel dizzy or tired. That can make you more likely to fall. If your medications have side effects, make a note of when they started to appear and let your doctor know. Your doctor may change your medication or dosage. Exercise: Weak legs increase your chances of falling. Exercise, it will provide your body with a stable health. Even a daily walk can make a difference. Or you can try a gentle exercise program like tai chi to help improve balance.

Many older people want to spend the rest of their lives in their home when they get older, but may be concerned about safety, travel or other daily activities. A few changes can make your home easier and safer to move around and help you continue to live independently.

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References: nia.nih.gov, aarp.org, webmd.com