EP #1318: Aging in Place: Creating a Secure Home for Your Loved Ones

"Health Power

Summary:
In this episode, Lisa Davis and Jenny Munro discuss the importance of home safety for elderly loved ones. They cover various areas of the home, including stairs, bathrooms, kitchens, and bedrooms, and provide tips on how to make these areas safer. They also discuss the services offered by Home Instead, which provides care professionals to assist with activities of daily living. The episode concludes with additional resources for caregivers and a reminder to take care of oneself while caring for others.
Takeaways

• Walk through your home and assess areas that may need modification to accommodate changing needs as you age.
• Ensure that stairs are well-lit, have sturdy handles, and are free of hazards.
• Make modifications to the bathroom, such as adding grab bars and a shower seat, to improve safety.
• In the kitchen, ensure good lighting, organize items for easy access, and consider using kitchen devices that make tasks easier for older adults.
• Keep the bedroom well-lit, clear of clutter, and ensure a sturdy mattress for easy mobility.
• Consider getting help from professionals or local agencies for home modifications.
• Home Instead offers care professionals who can assist with various activities of daily living to help older adults remain in their homes.
• Additional resources, such as support groups and websites, are available for caregivers.

Chapters00:00Introduction and Overview
01:09Importance of Home Safety
03:13Bathroom Safety
04:06Kitchen Safety
05:06Bedroom Safety
06:24General Home Safety Tips
09:27Getting Help with Home Modifications
11:14Home Instead Services
13:09Additional Resources
14:57Conclusion