It is projected that by 2025, 67 million US adults will be diagnosed with arthritis. Already many people are living with arthritis, and seniors are a significant percentage of them. While arthritis has no cure, it does not mean that seniors have to suffer. The treatments have been improving significantly over the years, and many people have been managing them effectively.
If not well-managed, arthritis can disrupt your life. Apart from the treatments, it is essential to make your home a better place to live with arthritis. Here are some home safety tips for seniors with arthritis.
Make the stairs and hallways safe
For seniors whose knees and hips are severely affected, then installing a ramp or lift in the home would be recommended. If not possible, there are tons of other ways that you can enhance safety for a senior receiving home health care.
Installing anti-slip mats on the stairs and hallway will prevent accidents. Hallways and stairs should also be well lit and clear of clatter. The clatter can cause accidents and falls. Throw rugs should be avoided, and instead, the installation of secured carpets done to prevent slips and falls.
The stairs should also have guard rails for the seniors to support themselves when going up and down the stairs. Seniors should also be encouraged to use walking sticks and support themselves with the rails when walking up and down the stairs.
Have a more efficient kitchen
Navigating through meal preparation is often something that people with arthritis struggle with. There are several ways you can make the kitchen safe and comfortable for seniors at home. Replacing the heavy cooking ware with lighter ones is the first step. Lifting lighter pos will be less strenuous for them.
Keep the most used items on the counter or within reach to prevent too much stretching or bending, often accompanied by pain. These changes will go a long way in helping the seniors age in place.
Invest in labor-saving equipment and adaptive aids
Use equipment that will reduce the movement of the senior. We are talking about electric mixers and can openers, vacuum cleaners, and automatic toilet bowl cleaners, to mention a few. Invest in other equipment available in the market that will prevent reaching, bending, or stooping.
Install non-slip floors
Adults living with arthritis are more likely to fall. This is due to postural instability, reduced muscle strength, joint pain, and fatigue. If your flooring is slippery, consider installing suitable flooring. When choosing, some of the things you should consider is whether the floors provide a non-slip surface when they are wet.
Is the floor surface easy to move on when using a cane or wheelchair? Does the floor offer some cushion or shock absorption in case of a fall? With this in mind, you should be able to choose comfortable and safe flowing for your loved one.
We need to ensure that our senior loved ones are safe at all times, especially if they have arthritis. The tips above will go a long way in making their home comfortable and free from hazards.
If you or a loved one suffers from arthritis, Assisted Home Health & Hospice can help. From assistance with daily tasks like meal prep and light chores to Physical and Occupational Therapy following a joint surgery, our team of healthcare professionals can help those suffering from arthritis to manage their disease in the comfort of their own home. To learn more, call 800-949-6555 or visit us at www.AssistedCares.com.
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