Aging in Place: Bathroom Renovations to Improve Safety

Aging in place can be a great way to stay in the comfort your own Asheville home as you get older and enjoy the things you’ve always known. But it is important to keep in mind your changing needs and make modifications around the home to accommodate them. The bathroom is one room that can pose many safety risks for seniors. However, with a variety of renovations, you can make it a safer, more accessible space.

• Add grab bars: This can be a simple way to add increased stability options. Placing grab bars near the shower and toilet will give your senior something to hold on to as they change positions and reduce risk of falling.
• Raise the toilet height: There are two ways that you can accomplish this. One would be to install a new toilet that sits higher so that your senior does not have to bend down as far to sit. Another option would be to add a seat extender that sits on top of the existing seat to provide a raised surface. You may also want to consider adjusting the location of the toilet paper holder for easier access.
• Replace the bathtub: Stepping over the edge of the bathtub can become difficult with aging and result in loss of balance or slipping and falling. Getting a tub with shorter curb or one that allows for easier access can reduce risk. A shower seat or bench can also be beneficial to give your senior somewhere to sit while in the shower.
• Change the showerhead: An adjustable or handheld showerhead can improve accessibility and convenience. It will reduce the need for stretching or reaching and can be used at a comfortable height.
• Use slip-resistant flooring: Water from the shower as well as steam can make floors slippery. Install slip-resistant flooring to improve traction and consider a mat for on the bottom of the bathtub or shower as well.
• Increase accessibility: Make sure that supplies are kept in a convenient place that is easy to reach. Shower caddies, shelves, baskets, towel bars, and other accessories can all be valuable bathroom additions. You may need to do some rearranging to make things more convenient.

Planning ahead can allow you to make changes slowly before they are necessary. When replacing fixtures, think about the future and what would be most beneficial. Safety and accessibility are two things to consider when deciding to age in place and making necessary renovations. Elder care services through Always Best Care of Asheville-Hendersonville can also provide a qualified caregiver to assist with basic personal care needs. Through in-home care, your senior can maintain their independence while receiving the appropriate level of support to ensure safety and wellbeing. To schedule a free consultation, call (828) 989-7263 or visit www.alwaysbestcareWNC.com for more information.

Tips for Transitioning From Home to Assisted Living

There can be many reasons why your elderly parent could benefit from assisted living in Hendersonville. Perhaps their health is declining and they are no longer able to live as independently or maybe they simply need some extra assistance. While families have the best interest of their loved ones in mind, it can be a sensitive subject to bring up. Many seniors want to age in place as long as possible. If you have gotten them in-home care and find that they still need more support, assisted living can be a good step when a nursing home is not yet appropriate.

Talk to your aging parent ahead of time about moving to an assisted living facility rather than springing it upon them. Discuss your concern for their wellbeing and how the move can benefit them and their safety. Reassure them that they will still maintain as much independence as possible. Let them help look at facilities to find one that they feel comfortable with.

Bring familiar items so it feels more like home. They will not be able to bring everything they own, but pick some of their favorite things. Pictures, knick-knacks, and mementos can brighten their day and give them something to talk about with others as they make new friends.

Meet with staff to familiarize yourself with care providers. Stay with your loved one for a while to help them adjust and start building connections. It is a new situation so it is common for them to be slightly resistant until they get used to their surroundings.

Arrange a schedule for visits and calls so they have something to look forward to. Give them some space to acquaint themselves with their new home and make friends. But also be available to provide reassurance and let them know you care. Regular visits or calls can help your aging parent to feel connected and see friends and family and also fill you in on how their days have been.

Find ways for them to get involved and stay active. Look into activities offered at the facility or nearby in the community. This could include exercise classes, hobbies, social groups, or events. Allow them to continue doing things that they enjoy and keep their mind sharp. Socialization is important to reduce boredom and isolation which can lead to depression.

Sometimes remaining at home just isn’t practical or safe and your senior needs more support and personalized care. Always Best Care Senior Services of Asheville-Hendersonville not only offers high quality in-home care, but also free referral services when your senior is ready for assisted living. Help them to find a community they feel comfortable with and take steps to ease the transition to this next phase of their life.

To learn more about our valuable in-home care services as well as referrals for assisted living, call (828) 989-7263 or visit www.alwaysbestcareWNC.com. Provide your senior with the support they need to live more safely and independently.

Common Causes of Falls and How to Prevent Them

A major safety concern for many Hendersonville seniors is falling. Falls can lead to serious injury which can take time to heal. While some people believe that falling is a natural part of getting older, there are several underlying causes that contribute to risk.

• Poor vision: Not being able to see clearly can mean tripping over objects, misjudging distance, or having difficulty adjusting to bright or dark settings.
• Balance problems: Weak muscles, arthritis, injury, and medication are just a few factors that can leave seniors unsteady on their feet. Even a slight jarring can be more difficult to recover from and maintain balance.
• Medical conditions: Older adults who have trouble with blood pressure, decreased sensitivity in extremities, or confusion may find that they fall more frequently. Their body is not able to respond to changes in position or obstacles as well.

Fortunately there are many ways in which loved ones can help to keep older adults in Asheville safer and reduce risk of falling.

• Wear slip-resistant socks or shoes: This can improve traction and reduce slipping on certain surfaces. Also make sure that the edges of rugs or carpeting are securely fastened so they don’t move out of place unexpectedly or roll up.
•  Install grab bars: Placing grab bars in the bathroom can make transition from the shower or toilet a safer process. Seniors have something sturdy to hold on to and to get up and down. Making sure that there are railings along all stairwells can help as well.
•  Improve lighting: Use higher wattage bulbs when possible and install motion sensors in hallways to improve nighttime navigation. Add additional lights to naturally dark areas or commonly used spaces.
• Keep paths free of clutter: Ensure that walkways are wide enough to comfortably walk through and there are no obstacles on the ground or blocking the way. Secure cords out of the way to prevent tripping. Organize rooms to improve flow and make commonly used items more easily accessible.
• Use assistive devices: If balance or stability is an issue, look into the possibility of a cane or walker. Make sure your senior knows how to properly use it to support their walking and navigate around. Also get regular vision screenings so that glasses prescriptions are current and providing the most benefit.
• Exercise: Strengthening muscles and improving flexibility can reduce the risk of falls. It can help seniors to maintain their balance and control. It can also help them to feel more confident in their mobility.

If your senior has chosen to age in place and lives independently, it can become even more important to be proactive about fall prevention. It can give you peace of mind to know that they are safer and their home meets their needs. If they are relatively independent but could use some assistance, consider the benefits elder care services could provide your Hendersonville loved one. You can decide the level and amount of care that they need and know that someone else is watching out for their wellbeing.

To learn more about elder care through Always Best Care Senior Services of Asheville-Hendersonville and how we can support your elderly parent in their independence and daily activities, call (828) 989-7263 or visit www.alwaysbestcareWNC.com.