One More Step to Making Elders' Homes Safer
Jan
31
Written by:
1/31/2012 1:15 PM
As older parents increase elect to “
age in place” caregivers may face challenges on two fronts. It is partly the aging of the older parent you need to be mindful of, and the other part is about the condition of the aging home as that adult lives there more years. Since many older adults for whom some of you may be caregivers may be living in multi-level homes, please allow me to offer some pointers on how to avoid falls, particularly on stairs.
- Lighting. The easy part is to check that the maximum wattage bulb is in place in the stairway to give an older adults’ eyes a chance to clearly see the steps. Beware not to exceed the recommend wattage for the fixture, but don’t skimp by placing low wattage in an area that may not get any other ambient
light. When you have installed the optimum wattage check out the stairway from all angles to be sure there is no glare from certain positions that would make it difficult for an older person to see and therefore navigate the steps. Consider also installing switches at both the top and bottom of
the stairs. If that may not be possible, place flashlights within reach of the part of the stairs without a switch. If there are floor outlets, it may be easier to place night lights. (The kind that are motion-activated may be a bit more expensive, but will save money on energy bills.)
- Helping Hands. There may already be a handrail on the stairs on the side away from the wall, so be sure that the rail is securely mounted and supports the weight of an adult. Consider also installing a rail on the other side so that an older parent who may be habituated to using only one hand for steadying themselves will have that support going both up and down the stairs. Also, replace a short handrail with a longer one that runs the distance to avoid a stranger in the house from coming to the end of the rail and thinking they have come to the end of the steps. Remember also that handrails can be helpful assists in any hallway.
- Footing. Old carpeting may be more slippery than new surfaces, therefore posing a hazard. Or over the years it may simply be coming loose from the tacks that have held it to the underlying surface. If the older adult for whom you are caring tends to wear just socks around the house or smooth-soled slippers, offer them newer slippers with rubber soles to give surer footing. And worn carpeting also may be a trip hazard from loose threads or tears in the fabric. Worn carpeting can be every bit the trip hazard in hallways also. Outside steps can be improved with abrasive, non-slip strips on the edges and/or warning paint so that they can be clearly seen. Also consider painting the top and bottom steps a lighter color than the other steps so an older adult can more clearly see when they are stepping onto as well as off the stairs.
- Storage. And last, stairways tend to gather objects like a book shelf or counter. We tend to place items on the steps to remind ourselves to take them up or down to the other floor. Try to help an older adult come up with a better solution to avoid trip hazards.
Charlotte Bishop is a Geriatric Care Manager and founder of Creative Case Management, certified professionals who are geriatric advocates, resources, counselors and friends to older adults and their families in metropolitan Chicago. Please email your questions to Charlotte Bishop.
Copyright ©2012