Wheelchairs help people maintain independence and mobility, but sometimes the homes seniors live in are not as accessible for wheelchairs as they need to be. Thoughtful home modifications reduce the risk of injury, improve mobility, and help make everyday tasks more manageable. Home care professionals can help families to spot areas of concern, while also assisting with other needs along the way.
Some Modifications to Consider
Improve Door Access
Both interior and exterior doors are a huge issue for seniors who use wheelchairs. Stairs are a big challenge at exterior entrances, so adding ramps with gentle slopes makes it easier for seniors to get in and out of their homes. Inside, widening doorways and swapping door handles for ones with levers helps tremendously.
Improve Floor Access
Flooring is also important when it comes to wheelchair accessibility. Smooth surfaces, like vinyl flooring, are easier to maneuver wheelchairs on than carpets or area rugs. Removing loose rugs and moving cords out of the way are just two ideas for improving floor access for seniors who use wheelchairs. Home care providers can help seniors clear pathways and make navigation easier inside the house.
Modify Bathrooms
Bathrooms often bring unique challenges for seniors in wheelchairs. Installing a roll-in shower and tools that make the bathroom easier to use helps quite a bit. Raising the toilet seat, adding shower benches, and swapping showerheads for handheld versions improve safety and accessibility. Home care providers can also offer assistance with personal care tasks while still protecting independence for seniors.
Improve Bedroom Comfort
Seniors who use wheelchairs may need to rethink their bedrooms to improve comfort and safety. Adjustable beds and handrails can make transferring into and out of bed easier. Home care providers can be there to make transfers safer, too. They can also help seniors to find tools that assist with tasks they’re likely to perform in the bedroom, like getting dressed. Home care providers can be there at night, as well, in case seniors need help with bathroom visits and other middle-of-the-night tasks.
Improve Lighting
Good lighting is a big part of any safety plan, especially for seniors who use wheelchairs. Vision changes make navigating even more difficult in a wheelchair. Making sure that hallways and darker rooms are well-lit reduces the risk of accidents and helps seniors move safely through their homes. Motion-sensing lights make it even easier for seniors in a wheelchair to navigate their homes, especially if light switches are higher up on the wall.
Consider Smart Home Features
Smart home features, like emergency alert systems and thermostats that seniors can control through an app, make it a lot easier for seniors in wheelchairs to control their environments. Home care providers can help seniors to manage these types of technological tools, ensuring that they’re comfortable and still have help available when they need it.
Other home modifications can also help seniors live safely and as independently as possible while they use wheelchairs. Home care providers can offer additional safety tips that offer family members peace of mind while giving seniors comfort, dignity, and the best possible quality of life as they age in place.
If you or an aging loved one is considering Home Care Services in Catasauqua, PA, please contact the caring staff at Extended Family Care Allentown today. Call 610-432-6766
Extended Family Care Allentown is a Trusted Home Care Agency in Allentown, Pennsylvania, serving the surrounding areas of Bethlehem, Easton, Emmaus, Macungie, Whitehall, Schnecksville, Catasauqua, Northampton, and Nazareth.
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