Elderly Home Modification
The number of people, 65 and over is increasing. They are commonly referred to as seniors or elderly. This is the age in which people retire from the workplace. Also, this is the time that they experience physical changes such as hair loss, lessened sense of hearing, poor eyesight, memory loss, and slower mobility and agility. They are also more prone to diseases because their immune system becomes weaker.
As they become weaker they become susceptible to falls. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls are the leading cause of injury and deaths among older adults. It is also the most common cause of non-fatal injuries and hospital admissions for trauma. More than one third of people, 65 and older, fall each year in the United States.
Falling accidents can occur at home, in public places, and even in nursing facilities because caregivers cannot tend to clients every minute of every day. Elderly people are at risk of falling because of several reasons, which include physical changes and the effect of several ailments.
Here are other reasons why elderly people fall:
- Lack of sleep
This can be caused by insomnia or other health issues
- Walking outside their comfort zone
Roaming to places that are not familiar to them
- Walking over ragged roads
Walking alone in unfamiliar landscape or uneven roads
- Walking in a poorly lit area
Due to poor eyesight they can hardly see in a poorly lit area
- Walking on slippery floor surfaces
They cannot handle slippery floors due to lack of balance and agility
- Using rugs or carpets that are not skid-resistant
Rugs and carpets are slippery when they are not skid-resistant
- Tripping over pets and toys
Litter can cause accident to a person with poor eyesight
- Children moving too fast
The elderly who lacks balance can easily be moved by energetic children
- Medications
Some medicines have side effects such as dizziness such as poor eyesight and balance
There are ways of preventing falls among the elderly, which include education, careful supervision, and home modification. Educating the elderly about the cause and effect of falling accidents can widen their awareness. If they are aware of the possibility, they will find ways on how to prevent falls.
Keeping concerned caregivers informed about the dangers that might happen to elderly inside and outside their homes can also prevent falling accidents. They must carefully supervise, as well as inform their patients on how to prevent falls when they are alone. If ever a fall accident occurs, inform them about what to do.
Home modification is the most popular way of preventing falling accidents. In the past, the elderly has few options on where to spend their retirement years, either in a nursing home, home care, or assisted living because no one will take care of them if they chose to stay at home. Leaving the comfort of their homes makes them feel sad and depressed, which often leads to health problems. As years pass, the elderly is allowed to stay home due to home modification.
Minor home modifications allow them to move inside the house freely and easily. These minor modifications include:
1. installation of hand rails in showers and tubs to prevent slipping;
2. better lighting in hallways and stairways;
3. placing a bench at an entrance way for resting;
4. putting wheelchair ramps;
5. relocating light switches and receptacles at higher places on walls;
6. faucets with single level handles;
7. placing furniture along the wall;
8. putting handles on cabinets instead of knobs; and
9. putting handrails on stairways for protection.
If the elderly is more at risk of fall accidents, major remodeling is needed in their home. This will include:
- adjusting counter heights;
- modifying the toilet to at least 18 inches tall;
- raising the height of the dishwasher; and
- building wider hallways to accommodate wheel chairs.
Elderly homes are carefully modified to adjust to the needs of the elderly. Building industry and manufacturers even created products and adjust their services to accommodate their special needs. In effect, most elderly are eager to modify their home to improve safety and allow them to age in place. In fact, studies show that elders who remain in their own homes live healthier, safer, and happier lives.
More and more organizations and foundations provide grants in the form of financial assistance, services, or materials to the elderly to help modify their home to improve their lives. Good examples of these organizations are Christian Contractors Association and Rebuilding Together. They are committed and dedicated to helping the elderly live a better quality of life.
