We all have family and friends that come to visit or stay over the holidays. The ambiance of your home makes it feel warm and well-looked after. Comfortable furnishings and beautiful, soft decor all add to loving nature of your home and if you have elderly visitors coming to stay, well-thought-out planning and preparation can really help to make them feel at home.
In 2016, 13% of the population were aged 65 or over, so it’s very likely you have an elderly relative in your family; therefore, when they next come to visit think about adding some welcoming home comforts for seniors to really make them feel welcome.
Moving In
Of course your elderly visitors may not just be coming for a visit, instead they may be moving into your home. Seniors housing is expensive with the average monthly cost in 2013 for a private one bedroom unit including at least one daily meal costing $1,995. Therefore, there are great financial benefits in allowing your elderly loved ones to move in with you. If they are moving in permanently, then plenty of home comforts are required to set the ambiance in your home and to enable a smooth transition between homes for your relative.
Safety
Maintaining an elderly relative’s safety when they arrive at your home is paramount and there are simple steps you can take to ensure they don’t come to any harm. The four main areas of your home you should look at are:
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The bathroom
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Their bedroom
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Floors and doors
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The outdoor area around the property
The bathroom is one of the most hazardous areas of any home, especially for an elderly relative who may have restricted mobility, who are off-balance and have potential eyesight problems. Thankfully, there are plenty of aids you can install in your bathroom, such as grab bars and anti-slip mats to reduce the risk of any nasty falls.
An elderly relative may struggle to get in and out of bed, therefore adaptations to their bedroom are also required. An aid such as a hoist can be used for those who have particular difficulties. Those who have less severe manoeuvring difficulties may simply need the assistance of a loved one to help them. You should also consider the bed that they will be sleeping in. It should be too high and a good quality, comfortable mattress and pillows are a must to ensure optimum comfort and to prevent any muscular issues.
Avoiding Accidents
Flooring is a potential trip hazard and you should double check that all flooring is secured properly and is flat. Consider removing rugs as an elderly relative could easily trip over the corner and injure themselves. Be prepared to widen door frames and install ramps for wheelchair bound relatives, this will enable them to freely travel around your home and retain their independence.
In nice weather, your ageing guest will likely enjoy sitting out in the garden, but this can also have its hazards. Patio slabs should be flush and well maintained with no cracks or gaps. Prickly bushes and hedges should also be trimmed back as seniors tend to have delicate paper-like skin.
There are many benefits to both you and your ageing relative by having them come to stay and just a few simple steps can ensure a worry free, safe and welcoming environment for you all to enjoy time together.
Post by Sally Writes.