Moving safely around the Living areas in your own home:
The last thing you want is to fall just because the lighting is too dim, you cannot find the switch, it is difficult to open that door...
Lighting:
There are various additional lighting solutions available such as night lights, battery powered, touch, sound or motion-activated lighting - all of which enhance your comfort, convenience and safety in your own home.
Lighted switch plates make it easy to find the light switch in the dark and also serve as a night light.
Multi-light switching enables you to turn on lights as you enter the room and turn them off as you exit from another door.
Handles:
Install lever handle latches on doors - they are easier to grasp, handle and allow for easier entry and exit.
Hinges:
Swing away door hinges widen doorways for easier access, swinging the door completely clear of the opening so that it sits flush against the wall. This is especially helpful if you are using a walker or are in a wheelchair.
Doors:
Retractable weather shields on doors sit flush under the door, won't catch along the floor on opening and closing the door and prevent drafts during the colder months.
Furniture:
Rearranging your furniture can allow for better circulation in, around and out of rooms. Ensure power cords run Behind furniture or are well secured.
It might be a good time to clean out cupboards and drawers of items you no longer wear, use or need. Similarly, remove unnecessary furniture or invest in more practical storage solutions for your home eg. plastic containers come with wheels to wheel out of the way under the bed...
It might be a good time to update key furniture pieces with more stable, practical items that more suits your needs. At this stage of your life, the more comfortable and sturdy, the better :-) Lets you just flop into it if you want.
Do avoid leaning on unsteady furniture or fixtures for support. Well worth it to have proper supports in place eg railings.
Do refrain from moving furniture or other heavy items by yourself. Ask for help. It's amazing how a friend or neighbour will respond if asked for their help. Sometimes that is all the invitation they need to call in and have a chat, or just pop to the shops because you have run out of milk... This is Not being selfish on your part! Asking for help may be the difference between continuing to live in your own home and being 'recommended' that you enter a Nursing Home/Assisted Living for your own safety.
The last thing you want is to fall just because the lighting is too dim, you cannot find the switch, it is difficult to open that door...
Lighting:
There are various additional lighting solutions available such as night lights, battery powered, touch, sound or motion-activated lighting - all of which enhance your comfort, convenience and safety in your own home.
Lighted switch plates make it easy to find the light switch in the dark and also serve as a night light.
Multi-light switching enables you to turn on lights as you enter the room and turn them off as you exit from another door.
Handles:
Install lever handle latches on doors - they are easier to grasp, handle and allow for easier entry and exit.
Hinges:
Swing away door hinges widen doorways for easier access, swinging the door completely clear of the opening so that it sits flush against the wall. This is especially helpful if you are using a walker or are in a wheelchair.
Doors:
Retractable weather shields on doors sit flush under the door, won't catch along the floor on opening and closing the door and prevent drafts during the colder months.
Furniture:
Rearranging your furniture can allow for better circulation in, around and out of rooms. Ensure power cords run Behind furniture or are well secured.
It might be a good time to clean out cupboards and drawers of items you no longer wear, use or need. Similarly, remove unnecessary furniture or invest in more practical storage solutions for your home eg. plastic containers come with wheels to wheel out of the way under the bed...
It might be a good time to update key furniture pieces with more stable, practical items that more suits your needs. At this stage of your life, the more comfortable and sturdy, the better :-) Lets you just flop into it if you want.
Do avoid leaning on unsteady furniture or fixtures for support. Well worth it to have proper supports in place eg railings.
Do refrain from moving furniture or other heavy items by yourself. Ask for help. It's amazing how a friend or neighbour will respond if asked for their help. Sometimes that is all the invitation they need to call in and have a chat, or just pop to the shops because you have run out of milk... This is Not being selfish on your part! Asking for help may be the difference between continuing to live in your own home and being 'recommended' that you enter a Nursing Home/Assisted Living for your own safety.