by corecubed

Help for Seniors Who Want to Stay in Their Own Homes

in , , , ,
Portrait of a beautiful smiling senior woman

Portrait of a beautiful smiling senior woman

The great majority of seniors wish to remain at home for a lifetime, rather than relocating to an assisted living facility or nursing home – nearly 90 percent of them, according to research conducted by AARP. And who can blame them? The comfort of familiar surroundings, the freedom to go wherever, whenever you would like, the opportunity to prepare the meals you want when you want them are all priceless commodities. 

But although it seems like the perfect plan for growing older, there are some real concerns to think through as well: 

  • Will the older person stay safe?
  • How will the older adult get around once driving, or even walking, becomes a challenge?
  • What happens if the older person gets sick or injured and no one’s close by to help?

Fortunately, it’s now easier than ever for seniors to stay safe and well at home. Considering the following can assist you in taking the necessary precautions to ensure the senior you love is prepared for these needs and any others, now and in the future: 

  • Assess the home, both inside and out, from the viewpoint of the senior’s safety. Check to verify that: 
    • Grab bars are in place near the tub and toilet. 
    • Throw rugs and any other fall hazards are removed. 
    • There is plenty of lighting, including in hallways and stairways. 
    • Commonly used items are located within easy reach. 
    • Emergency numbers are posted in a highly visible location. 
  • Create a transportation plan, so it is ready to implement when driving is no longer possible: 
    • Look into public transportation choices that are available and easy to access. 
    • Put together a volunteer tree of reliable people the older person can turn to for transportation when needed: friends, family members, neighbors, religious organizations, local senior centers, San Diego Home Caregivers, etc.
  • Make sure the senior has access to the technology that can be used in an emergency to reach out for help when alone, such as a PERS (personal emergency response system). 

The perfect way to ensure older individuals remain safe and well cared for at home, however, is by hiring a professional home care agency, such as San Diego Home Caregivers. Our caregivers are trained and have experience in providing elder help for San Diego seniors such as personal care services, transportation, meal planning and preparation, and companionship, and are available to help for as much or as little care as needed. 

Our San Diego in-home caregivers start with the development of an individualized plan of care to address the senior’s particular needs and wishes, and then we continually monitor that plan and adjust as needs change – ensuring that the senior remains safe and can live life to the fullest, where it’s most comfortable: at home. 

As the leading providers of senior companion care in San Diego and nearby areas, we invite you to contact us online or at (619) 487-9000 to learn more about how we can provide help for seniors in multiple ways.

by San Diego Home Care

Home Modifications for Wheelchair Users

in , , , , ,
Senior disabled man in wheelchair

Learn the most important home modifications to make for wheelchair users.

Home is where the heart is, and it’s for that reason so many older adults make the decision to continue to live at home for a lifetime. But many times wheelchairs come to be a part of life when older adults or those with particular disabilities lose mobility. This can be a unique challenge when it comes to making sure the home is a safe place. But a few key home modifications for wheelchair users can considerably improve safety for aging adults.

Following are just a few modifications recommended to incorporate a wheelchair into the home:

  • Ensure that walkways and driveways are smooth, but not slick.
  • Install a ramp to the front door with landings at the bottom and the top.
  • Doorways ought to be 32-36 inches wide with enough floor space near the doors to maneuver a wheelchair.
  • Thresholds on doors should always be ¼ inch or less.
  • Cabinet shelves should ideally be no more than 10 inches deep.
  • Kitchen stove controls should be located at the front.
  • Be sure that there is knee space underneath all sinks.
  • Oven doors should ideally be able to swing open to the side.
  • For deeper shelves, utilize a Lazy Susan to permit the person to easily reach all items.
  • Bathrooms ought to have either a wheelchair maneuverable tub with a 60-inch turning radius or T-turn space, or a stand-up shower that is curbless and at least 36 inches wide.
  • There should be plenty of room to transfer from wheelchair to toilet.
  • Walk-in closets are great for wheelchair-bound individuals, but a closet organizer that gives the person the ability to reach all items is also a good option.
  • Additionally, floors should be free of clutter and furniture should be arranged for maximum maneuverability. 

San Diego Home Caregivers, offers experienced in-home caregivers in San Diego and the surrounding areas, who can also assist with home modification ideas and coordination. The first step is our complimentary in-home evaluation, where we will put together a customized care plan to address the individual’s unique care needs and wishes, and then we monitor that plan ongoing and modify as needs change. Our in-home care services in San Diego are available for just a few hours each week, up through 24/7, around-the-clock care. You can reach us any time via our online contact form or at (619) 487-9000 to learn more about available services!