Environment: More Than Just the Out of Doors

Lots of little things inside the home can make a big difference in how someone gets along from day to day. Sometimes, small changes can be made that can help prevent problems.

Lets talk safety hazards. Things like loose rugs and lack of good lighting can be extremely hazardous to someone with impaired sight or mobility problems. They are simple things to correct and will make a world of difference.

As people age they may be less agile and not able to step over loose rugs. Take a look at the floor surface under those throw rugs, it may be slick or carpeted with a heavy shag that makes getting around difficult. If the lighting is poor it compounds the danger of slipping and falling because of the floor coverings.

Are electrical outlets plentiful enough to avoid too many extension cords? If not, are these extension cords laying out in the walking path through the house? This is important to look out for. They not only pose a tripping hazard, but they can be the source of an electrical fire if over loaded or the cords are frayed or run under rugs.

What kinds of difficulties is someone having in getting around the house because of steps or in doing cooking because a stroke has left them with a weaker right arm. Looking at how someone goes about their day to day life can yield ideas for simple adaptations of equipment and could help someone stay in their home a little longer. For example, steps into the house may impair an elder's ability to get out to go shopping, run errands and socialize with friends. This loss of mobility can impact the senior's social life and therefore increase isolation and depression.

For an elder who spends most of the day in one area of the house check to see that they can get to the bathroom and prepare lunch on their own. If an emergency were to arise, could an elder who has difficulty walking or uses a wheelchair get out of the house by themselves? Are the heating and cooling systems sufficient to meet the needs of the person? If a house is too cold, a furnace check might be in order or perhaps an update in the insulation in the attic. Consider general maintenance of the house. Is there anything that is jeopardizing the safety or functional ability of an elder?

Don't forget to look at the outside of a home. Is the parking adequate and nearby? Is the sidewalk and entrance leading to the front door in good shape?

Knowing what a person's environment is like can help in making major decisions. The condition or accessibility of a house could be the deciding factor in whether someone decides to stay in their home or move.

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