Can Your Parents’ Home Design Really Keep Them Safe?

By James Bennett | January 8, 2020 |

You read a lot about designing a home to keep your parents safe while they get older. Is a home design truly effective at heightening safety? With an estimated 25 percent of older Americans falling each year, a few home modifications can make a big difference. Here are the modifications that deserve a closer look.

Elderly Care Powdersville SC – Can Your Parents’ Home Design Really Keep Them Safe?

Bright Lighting

Bright lighting is an easy, effective way to help stop falls. Obstacles like a pet, shoe, or furnishing can disappear into a shadowy, poorly lit area. With bright lighting illuminating the floor, you lower the risk of falls on stairs, entryways, and window-less hallways.

If the power goes out, you should consider what happens. Flashlights should be readily available. Solar or battery-powered emergency lighting is also important. LED lights that run on battery power and adhere to floor-level trim, under cabinets, and stair risers all help make sure there’s lighting in a power outage.

Waist-Level Outlets

When your parents have a hard time bending over, a floor-level outlet isn’t ideal. If they’re having to bend or squat to plug something in, they may have a hard time getting back up. It may cause pain.

Look into the cost of moving outlets to a higher point on the wall. Kitchen outlets are already going to be high enough, but your parents may enjoy having a higher outlet for their computer, reading lamps, or space heater/air conditioner units.

Lever Door Handles

A round doorknob can be hard to grasp when arthritis is present. It’s also harder to grab when you’re in a wheelchair. A lever door handle is easier to use. You don’t have to grasp it to make it work. Using an elbow or side of the arm, you can push down a lever handle and open a door.

Shower and Bath Safety

Shower stalls, bathtubs, or combination shower/tub units need to be safe for your parents. They need to have grab bars inside and outside the bathing area. They need anti-slip tiles and shower mats. A hand-held shower wand also makes bathing easier.

If mobility is becoming harder to manage, a shower seat with suction cups is essential. Finally, make sure the bathroom door opens to the outside. If your parent falls, you don’t want their body blocking the door from opening.

As abilities change, you should discuss elderly care services. Your parents may be ready to have someone helping with housework, transportation, and meals. They may simply like the idea of weekly companionship visits. Talk to our elderly care agency to learn more about the prices and services in your area.

If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Elderly Care Services in Powdersville SC, please contact the caring staff at Upstate Home Care Solutions today. Call (864) 527-0455.

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James Bennett

Owner at Upsate Home Care Solutions

James Bennett is a native of Taylors, SC. A graduate of Riverside High School, he attended Clemson University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Packing Science. Upon graduation, he commenced on a career path in food manufacturing with Nestle Frozen Foods (1999 – 2008) and Country Fresh, Inc. (2008 – 2011). When James was only 12, his father, at the age of 37, was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).With both an ailing father and a grandmother suffering from several medical conditions, James Bennett and his family were able to unify and provide their loved ones with the home care they needed. Their family structure and consistent schedule were key aspects in providing care. Unfortunately, not all families have the structure, resources, or flexibility to provide the home care their loved one desires. James understands the difficulties families and caregivers encounter while providing and caring for loved ones. A loving son, husband, and father who understands the need to help families, James created Upstate Home Health Care Solutions, LLC in 2011 to fill in the gap for families who need caring individuals to assist with a loved one’s home care needs.

• Greenville Chamber of Commerce Minority Business of the Year 2017
• Greenville Chamber of Commerce Minority Business Accelerator (MBA) Program participant 2017
• Greenville Chamber of Commerce MBA Excellence Award Recipient 2017
• Featured on the cover Upstate Business Journal June 2016
• Community Works Economic Impact Award 2016
• Board Member of Ten at the Top (TATT) and Fire Pit Ranch (FPR)
• Member of Upstate Senior Network, Greenville & Spartanburg Chapters
• Member of the Healthcare division of the Greenville Chamber of Commerce
• Member of the Better Business Bureau
• Staff member of Palmetto Boys State sponsored by the American Legion
• Member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.