Worsening eyesight, arthritis, memory loss and other age-related conditions can make even the simplest day-to-day tasks a little challenging – especially for seniors who live alone.
“We know an overwhelming majority of seniors want to remain in their homes as they age, but sometimes they need a little help to do that,” said Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations director at Trail Ridge Home Care’s partner, the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “The good news – you don’t have to spend a lot of money to make a big difference.”
Here are ten simple things you can do to make it easier for your aging loved ones to successfully navigate the challenges of aging, while reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.
Install turntables in cabinets and the refrigerator. With lazy Susan type turntables, your senior will have easy access to items in hard-to-reach spaces.
Add furniture bumpers to prevent injuries. Soften sharp corners on counters, coffee tables and night stands with adhesive bumper pads.
Put rubber bands around glasses and jars. Arthritis and joint issues can make it hard to grip smooth items. Adding ordinary rubber bands to glasses and jars will make them easier to hold on to.
Use an easy-grip jar opener. These inexpensive gadgets can be used on jars and lids of all sizes. A rubber glove works pretty well, too.
Keep medications organized. Using a pill organizer that’s labeled with every day of the week will help ensure your senior is taking the right meds at the right time. You can also ask your senior’s pharmacist to avoid using childproof pill bottles.
Add raised dot stickers to TV remote controls. For seniors with failing eyesight, placing raised stickers on commonly used buttons can make them easier to locate.
Keep slippery soap handy. To prevent it (and your senior) from falling in the shower, put a bar of soap inside a knotted nylon and tie it to the shower head or grab bar.
Use simple tools to help get dressed. A buttonhook is especially helpful for those with arthritic hands and a long shoehorn can help those who struggle to bend over.
Color code keys. Paint the end of your senior’s keys with different colors of nail polish to help them remember which key goes where.
Add a digital assistant. Devices like Alexa can make life easier and more enjoyable – especially for seniors who are aging in place. These devices can help with appointment and medication reminders, check the weather, set alarms and more.
“If your aging loved ones need more than a just simple fix, you might want to consider hiring a professional caregiver,” Goetz said. “Our compassionate caregivers can assist with light housekeeping, meal preparation, personal care and more – helping your seniors maintain their independence and live safely in their homes for as long as possible.”
For more information about all of our services, visit TrailRidgeHomeCare.com.