Driving
Many seniors have the flexibility to arrange errands and appointments outside of the busiest times. However, driving can still be dangerous as vision problems build up, particularly when trying to drive after dark. Those 65 and older are more at risk of causing a car accident or being involved in one. These accidents can lead to severe injury if the driver is especially frail. If possible, monitor your loved ones’ driving, so you can make changes before they have a wreck.
Remodel Their Home
The work of daily living, such as cooking, cleaning, and laundry can become very hazardous if your loved one has balance or vision issues. When possible, try to renovate or at least rearrange some areas to avoid your older relative from having to haul laundry baskets or groceries up and down stairs. Replace bathroom flooring with cushioned vinyl, and get the bottom of the tub or shower textured. Make sure to add heavy-duty grab bars for getting in and out of the shower.
Limit Strenuous Activities
Find an individual for your loved ones who can stop in one or two days a week. This person can clean the house, do some laundry and possibly help put away the grocery delivery. Consider hiring someone to help with yard work and lawn care as well. Even on a one-story home, activities such as washing windows or painting trim can be too much effort for a loved one. If they miss gardening, set up an elevated flower or vegetable garden they can access from a chair. For those who love to cook but struggle to lift heavy stew pots or cast-iron cookware, there are many nonstick options with grab handles on both sides. A final trick for cooks who can’t stay out of the kitchen is to invest in some grilling gloves for indoor work. They offer more dexterity than potholders and will protect against burns.
Encourage Exercise
One of the reasons that elders can suffer a serious fall is that their reflexes slow down. Encourage your loved one to use a fitness tool to get active in a new way. A seated yoga video is a great way to start building core strength. Shadowboxing is a terrific exercise for someone who’s at risk of falling as it will sharpen and speed up his or her movements. Many of these forms of exercise can be done from a seated position until your loved one feels strong enough to do them on his or her feet.
Here’s another article you might like: The Benefits of In-Home End-of-Life Care
