Preparing the Home for Home Care

Getting in-home care assistance  can be one of the most important things we do to ensure that the seniors in our families have the attention and support that they need. However, we know that the process of figuring out where to begin can be a stressful journey. To assist with planning, we have compiled some tips on how to get your home ready for a seamless transition into home care.

Several areas in the house can be hazardous, especially for an aging adult. The following areas are a great place to start in your home care preparations:

• Staircases: Are the stairways steep or non-carpeted? Is the railing stable?

• Kitchens: Is the floor made of slippery tiles? Are appliances safe to use? 

• Bathrooms: Is it safe to get in and out of the tub? Is it easy to sit down and stand up from the toilet?

• Hallways: Do the hallways provide any support to walk around? Is there an incline or decline in the flooring or any loose floorboards? 

Asking yourself these questions can help you identify the areas you should first address to make sure the home is a safe and home care ready space.

Make safety upgrades 

Once you have identified the high-risk areas in your home, there are many easy ways you can upgrade these spots to make them safer. Consider putting in a shower chair so that your loved one can sit instead of stand. This may help  reduce  the risk of slipping. Handrails and non-skid mats are also good to have in kitchen, bathroom and hallway areas to make it easier to move around without falling. Stairlifts can also be a great addition for multi-level homes with steep staircases. 

Declutter and organize 

It is important to make sure the space is open and free of obstructions.  Make sure kitchen utensils  and laundry supplies are easily accessible. Also, be sure to keep things like medications all in the same place so that they can be easily located by the caregiver. 

Seek suggestions from the caregiver