Home adaptations for the elderly

Small adaptations to make life easier

Although you may find that large-scale adaptations are required, firstly there are a few simple things you can do to make your loved one’s home that little bit better to be in. Create a safe environment for elderly care:

Improve lighting

Wherever there’s an opportunity throughout the home, it’s a great idea to let as much natural light as possible pour into living spaces. This will not only make visibility easier, but it can also help establish natural rhythms of night and day, aiding sleep.

Create clear contrasts

Whether it’s furniture, towels in the bathroom or bedding, go for clear block colours and avoid any complex stripes or patterns. This will make it easier to see.

Open outdoor space

Extend the inside to the outside. If you’re lucky enough to have outdoor space, take advantage of it. A lovely place to sit outside, around foliage and nature, can do wonders for wellbeing, especially if getting out and about is of increased difficulty.

Clear up any clutter

It’s essential to remove any potential trip hazards or health and safety concerns from around the home. Make sure any trinkets are safely locked and all unused furniture is removed.

Make it homely

The biggest positive about arranging care in the home is the fact you get to stay at home, around memories and possessions. Keep family pictures in prominent positions,

Keep it tidy

This is something a live-in carer is able to help with on a day-to-day basis. Keeping the home clean and hygienic is an integral element of ensuring its a safe, happy and comfortable environment.

Telecare equipment

Although no replacement for specialist carer, technology is increasingly able to make the life of those living with conditions, such Alzheimer’s, better.

Labelled ‘telecare’, there are a range of different sensors, switches and detectors that can help provide carers with additional support and families with additional reassurance.

• Wearable alarms — such as necklace to call for help
• Emergency alarms — such as fire and smoke detectors
• Movement sensors — such as detecting if you’re out of bed
• Incontinence sensors — devices that can alert the carer

Telecare availability varies significantly from one local authority to another, who also have differing eligibility criteria. If you’re not told about availability, it’s always worth asking.

Improvements around the home

It can be difficult to have an idea of what changes might need to be made. Here we go round some of the most important rooms in the house, going through some of the changes that might need to be made.

Elderly adaptations in the bathroom

Clearly, the bathroom is the room of the house that poses the greatest risk of a fall, but there are also other hazards to consider. Luckily, there are several adaptations that can be made to make this room

– Prevent scalding – Installing thermostatic mixer taps and showers will provide the perfect temperature and prevent the flow of scalding water if the cold water fails.

– Prevent falls – Adding grab rails, a transfer bench and a hoist can make the most hazardous task of getting in an out of the bath that little bit easier.

– Improve accessibility – An accessible bath and walk-in shower will make it easier to wash, even if mobility is impaired. If budget or room is restricted, you can modify your bath or shower with a chair.

– Prevent flooding – When someone has memory issues, bathrooms can flood easily. Adding a flood warning system or a special saftey plug can reduce the risk.

Your local authority will be able to provide home adaptations up to the cost of £1000, which you’re entitled to regardless of your income.