Tips For Staying Safe At Home 

 

There is no denying that our homes provide comfort, familiarity and feelings of warmth and security. If you have elderly relatives or friends then there is bound to come a time when they will want to keep their independence and continue living at home but will need some adjustments to their current interior and lifestyle to ensure that they stay safe. 

 

Thankfully, there are a few simple things that you can do to ensure that you won’t need to worry about them and they can stay comfortable and happy as they go about their independent lives at home. To help anyone in this current situation, Companions of London have put together a list of top tips for your elderly family members or friends to stay safe at home. 

 

Remove fall hazards 

 

Falls are one of the leading causes of injury to elderly people. A bad fall can leave your loved one in the hospital and can dramatically affect their confidence when it comes to moving around by themselves. It is so easy to reduce the fall risk in their home and it won’t take you long at all. 

 

Strip rooms back to basics to create a more open environment, this will make it easier for them to move around the space if they require a walker – for example. Start by cleaning up clutter such as old newspapers and shoes that may be lying about, it is also worth discarding unused furniture. You should also remove throw rugs and avoid using extension cords across the room, this will provide a clear walkway. 

 

Install additional support 

 

As well as removing items to prevent falls, you can also install a wide variety of additional support around your loved ones home. This will provide them with peace of mind that there is something there to help them move around their home and it can take away the fear of falling. 

 

The support you can install will vary from grab rails to stairlifts. How much you require will depend on the property your loved one is in and their current mobility. One room we would always recommend that support is installed in is the bathroom. Simply adding a few grab rails and considering a sit-down shower or walk-in bath will enable them to retain their dignity and privacy for longer.

 

Swap around rooms  

 

It isn’t uncommon for stairs to be one of the first obstacles when it comes to allowing your loved one to stay in their property independently. For some, stairlifts or through-floor-lifts aren’t the best solution and simply having a rejig of the rooms in the property is a much better choice. 

 

A lot of elderly people find moving their bathroom downstairs incredibly helpful. It means that they don’t have to worry about getting up and down the stairs multiple times throughout the day. If there is space, it is also worth thinking about moving your loved one’s bedroom downstairs and creating a one-floor apartment for them. This prevents them from having to worry about the stairs all together but they still get to stay in their own property. 

 

Consider home care

 

On top of all of the modifications that you can make to your loved one’s property, you may also want to consider some form of home care. There are lots of elderly home care providers that will be able to supply you with a range of services to support them in their own home. 

 

Simply working with an elderly care professional means that you know someone will be with your loved one to help them with the everyday tasks they struggle with. This support is completely flexible and can be tailored to your loved one’s specific needs. Whether you would just like an elderly companion to pop in for a cup of tea and a chat a few times a week, or you need someone more permanent to come every morning and evening, there is a solution that suits everyone.

 

Companions of London 

 

If you’re searching for a company that provides a range of elderly care services then look no further than Companions of London. Our highly trained professional carers are there to help your loved one maintain their independence and comfort at home. From helping with household tasks such as vacuuming, dusting and preparing meals to helping with medication and feeding or taking care of your pets, Companions of London are here for your loved one in any way they may need. Please don’t hesitate to contact our experienced team today for further information.