Apartment Safety Tips for Senior Citizens
The natural human aging process includes bone weakness, infirm joints and a weaker grip. All these can lead to senior citizens being at greater risks of falling or hurting themselves easily. The evolving family structure in India also means that the elderly are often left alone to fend for themselves.
An important way to keep your elderly ones safe is by providing them with a home that is more suited to their needs. Here are some effective senior citizen-friendly safety tips to think of:
Apartment living
The elderly are safer living in gated communities such as that provided by apartments. Living in separate houses can expose them to unfortunate events. Apartments, on the other hand, offer greater security and a number of useful facilities and amenities, making them better options for senior citizens.
Well-lighted spaces
With one of the issues of old age being weakening eyesight, you should ensure all areas, including the hallways, steps and corners, are well-lit in their home. Lights inside dim cupboards is another useful tip too. Or you could just simply ask them where they want more light!
Bathrooms
Since bathrooms are very risky for the elderly, you need to make them completely fall-proof. Some things to include are grab bars near the commode and the shower areas. A high-rise commode, shower chair, anti-slip mats and hand-held shower are other useful additions you can think about. All these tips should make their bathroom a comfortable and safer space.
Floors
Slippery floors are another major cause of injuries among the elderly. Getting rid of all carpets and rugs that can slip should be an early priority. The floor tiling should be of the anti-skid variety too and areas prone to getting wet like the kitchen and bathroom should have anti-skid mats. Ensure that there is no clutter lying around that could cause a trip or fall.
Easy Access
These could include a variety of features that are especially adapted to the senior citizen age group:
- Doorways should be wide enough for wheelchairs.
- Lever door handles that are used easily.
- Switches, plug points and locks/bolts should be at an elderly-friendly level.
- Furniture should be at an ideal height.
- An emergency buzzer in each room is a necessity too.
For those on the lookout, Vishraam builders in Thrissur have an amazing offering called Vishraam Aanandita apartments that are uniquely designed to fit the special needs of senior citizens. Some of the additional features include on-demand housekeeping services, laundry, grocery shopping, banking, bill payments, taxi services and travel agency support. Amenities available include a common dining area, a TV area, a prayer and meditation hall, a health and recreational center, landscaped park to relax in, with everything coming under comprehensive 24×7 security and surveillance. Aside from these facilities, on-call medical, pharmacy, physiotherapy and lab testing services are also made available.
Homes for senior citizens couldn’t get better than Vishraam Aanandita apartments!
