AD| Home Adaptations for the Elderly
Growing old is a part of life. As much as we may not like to think about it, it’s something we cannot avoid. However, growing old doesn’t necessarily mean that life should be more difficult.
I try my best to lead a healthy and active lifestyle. I do this for lots of different reasons. Firstly, for my own health and wellbeing. Secondly, so that I can be around for my children for as long as possible. Lastly, so that when I am older I will hopefully still be active and mobile.
Sadly for a lot of older people mobility decreases to the point where home adaptations are a must. Thankfully there are lots of companies who can help. Age Co Mobility is one such company.
You can visit their website to request a free brochure and request a home visit when covid restrictions in your area allow. Age UK Mobility offer stairlifts and a range of walk in baths and showers.
My mother in law is in her 90s and I remember vividly over the course of a few months how she would struggle with simple tasks such as getting in and out of the bath. The final straw was when she had a fall and injured herself. We knew then that it was time to adapt her home so that it worked better for her and made it a safer environment for her to live in.
She has a lovely walk in shower now that is perfect for her needs. It makes it so much easier, and more importantly safer for her to shower. Although my mother-in-law lives in a bungalow, she doesn’t need a stairlift, but many elderly people still live in homes that do have stairs.
Stairlifts can help the elderly to maintain independence within their homes. Independence is very important for everyone, especially the elderly. While they may be slower at doing things, that doesn’t mean they’re incapable. By giving them the adaptations to their home that they require, they can stay in their homes for longer and hopefully avoiding going into a residential care.
Stairlifts and walk-in baths and showers are just a few of the adaptations that can be made to an elderly relatives home to make it easier and safer for them. You can also look at installing handrails around the home if they’re unsteady on their feet. We live in a bungalow and have handrails installed from the previous occupant. While we don’t use them, they come in handy when my mother-in-law visits.
Have you had to consider adapting an elderly relatives home? Let me know in the comments below.
