We try to adapt the home not only to our taste, but also to basic needs. One of the most important is safety, so it is necessary to approach the housing of different people in a specific way. What a young family can handle without any problems can be a big worry for the elderly.
An apartment should be an oasis not only of peace, but also of safety for everyone. As the years pass, however, the previously problem-free housing begins to turn into a kind of minefield with randomly placed explosives that they can become the cause of injury at any time. We may not even realize it over time, but so popular in the past piece carpets, rugs or blankets and other little things become real as the household residents get older a big risk.
To stay in good shape for a long time, seniors should train their brains:
Piece carpets can cost a senior’s life
Although seniors are very reluctant to give up their belongings, and carpets will certainly be among them, we should be able to sensitively explain to older family members the problems that such memories of the past can cause. They are just that piece carpets and rugs, which according to expert studies are at the very top of the causes of injuries for seniors. The legs don’t rise as high anymore and the reaction time is longer than it used to be. So it is not surprising that it is not so far to fall after tripping. In addition fabrics laid loosely on a smooth floor can easily slipwhich is another piece in the dangerous senior puzzle.
Pay attention to textiles as well
Maybe your grandmother loves embroidered or crocheted tablecloths and probably made them herself. They are beautiful and have their own value, whether historical or emotional. But even such objects should not be a regular part of the interior in which a senior lives – especially if he is alone in the apartment. Why if you can’t slip on them? It’s simple. Imagine a situation where an elderly person trips and falls. Instinct dictates to grab the nearest fixed point. But, if it is the unlucky person can get caught in the textile, which will subsequently roll to the ground together with him. While we put the tablecloth back in place, the senior goes to the hospital.
Sufficient light is essential
Seniors also often prefer local lighting to a central chandelier. It can be a more pleasant feeling of coziness, but often it is an effort to save every penny and instead of several light bulbs on the ceiling, you can only illuminate yourself with a lamp. Feel free to read, though as soon as the elderly person gets up from the chair, he needs to light up the whole room. Just like movement skills, after all impaired vision as well. That’s why no one forbids the use of smaller lamps in the apartment of senior citizens, but at the same time, they should he should always have the central lighting switch at hand. In the age of smart light bulbs and many possible ways to solve this problem, it shouldn’t be too difficult to arrange such an environment for seniors.
Modern options will help
Elderly people often have to go out, but they don’t want to turn on the lights for such a moment. They grope in the dark and can easily miss a threshold, for example. Motion sensors are the ideal solution for these caseswhich will do everything necessary for the senior citizen. As soon as it approaches a critical location, the light will automatically turn on. Isn’t that an ideal solution?
If it’s a carpet, it’s all-over
But let’s go back to the already mentioned carpets. Some people can’t even imagine their home without them nowadays. Good, but at such a moment it is appropriate to convince the senior about the advantages of laying such a covering over the entire area of the room and the edge of the carpet, for example between the doors, should be well attached and secured gradual transitionso that there is not even the slightest opportunity to trip.
Seniors also need our help
It seems obvious and logical, but let’s be honest: how many apartments inhabited by seniors are really adapted to their needs and meet the requirements for a safe life in old age? Rather, look at the apartment of your parents and grandparents with critical eyes, emphasizing the risks of injury. If it’s even remotely possible, try it remove problematic points.
