Aging in Place

Posted: 6/18/2013 9:00 AM by Interim HealthCare
The goal of many seniors is to stay in their homes for as long as they can. Most seniors want to be in surroundings that are familiar and comfortable. As a person ages, however, he or she may need to adapt their home to make it safer for independent living. One of the biggest dangers in the home for seniors is a fall. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention one out of three adults age 65 and older falls each year. Among that age group, falls are the leading cause of injury death, and they are also the most common cause of nonfatal injuries and hospital admissions for trauma.
 
The bathroom is an especially critical area in the home when it comes to falls. Things to consider adding to make the bathroom safer and decrease a senior's risk of falling are
  • Grab Bars
  • Raised Toilets
  • Walk-in Tubs
  • Hand-held Showers
  • Non-slip Flooring
It is important in any room of the house to keep wide, unobstructed pathways for walking. If a person has stability problems, a walker or cane can help as well. Other modifications people can make to their homes to reduce the risk of falling include
  • Threshold Ramps
  • Railings
  • Rug Tape
  • Lift Chairs
  • Widening Doorways
Some medication can also increase the risk of falling because of side effects such as extreme weakness and drowsiness. Seniors should talk to their doctors about potential side effects, but should not stop taking any prescribed medicine without speaking to their healthcare provider first.
 
Interim HealthCare has over 45 years of experience in enhancing safety at home, starting with the In-Home Assessment. This comprehensive review looks at how you handle essential activities around the house and offers suggestions for fall prevention. After assessing the home and personal situation, Interim presents recommendations for home care services and ways individuals can promote safety and independence at home.