As we age, our health needs change and our homes often need to change with them. The environment you live in can have a significant impact on your comfort, independence, and overall disease management, especially if you are dealing with chronic diseases. This Senior Helpers blog post provides practical and accessible tips to optimize your home into a safer, more comfortable place optimized to support your health needs.
Understanding Chronic Diseases in Seniors
The risk of developing chronic diseases like arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory disorders increases as we get older. These conditions can affect mobility and comfort, potentially making even the simplest tasks challenging. Recognizing the realities of these chronic illnesses is crucial to make the necessary adjustments to your living space.
Importance of Home Optimization
Optimizing your home plays an essential role in living with chronic diseases. The goal is to create a living space where routine tasks are more manageable, movement is safe, and help is easily accessible. This supports physical health, promotes independence, and enhances your quality of life.
4 Ways to Optimize Your Home
To make your home safer and more comfortable while dealing with chronic conditions, consider implementing the following:
1. Home Safety Measures
Optimize your home by installing handrails or grab bars in areas like the bathroom and stairs. Ensure your home has appropriate lighting, especially in darker corners and on staircases. Keep pathways clear of trip hazards like books, rugs, or shoes. Maintain carbon monoxide and smoke detectors too.
2. Home Comfort Enhancements
Opt for furniture that is easy to use and comfortable. This includes chairs with armrests and high-seat toilets. Control hot temperature conditions by using air conditioning and fans. Use proper heating units in winter to reduce the risk of heat stroke or hypothermia. Consider adding a shower bench to your shower or upgrade to a walk-in bathtub if you can.
3. Home Accessibility Improvements
Consider installing a ramp or a stair lift if stairs have become challenging. They can help you attain easy access to outdoor spaces and various areas of your home. Arrange your kitchen and other rooms so regularly used items are always within easy reach. Lower closet rods and consider replacing door knobs with lever handles.
4. Health Management Tools
Keep health monitoring devices nearby. Organize medications effectively to ensure you don't miss your doses. Wearable healthcare technology allows you to keep an eye on your own health stats. Glucose monitors or fitness trackers come to mind. Telemedicine options for contactless, quality care are also available.
Seek Professional Help
Get professional help for more complex tasks when optimizing your home. If you plan on installing a stair lift or adding a walk-in bathtub, seek assistance from the right professionals. They will help ensure a smooth and stress-free process.
Senior Helpers Lexington Can Help
Managing chronic diseases is easier when you optimize your home to reflect your health needs. You can always get help from home care specialists like Senior Helpers Lexington for assistance with managing your chronic disease at home. If you live in Lexington, Georgetown, Nicholasville, or Shelbyville, KY, contact us today! We provide customized, in-home senior care with the needs of our senior community in mind.