Surviving and recovering from a stroke is a physically and mentally challenging undertaking, and the only thing you long for is to get back to your typical life. Yet, considering that more than two-thirds of survivors commonly have some means of disability, as outlined by the National Stroke Association, in-home safety modifications after a stroke may need to be made to make life safer and easier.
The encouraging news is that there are some straightforward steps to take that can improve safety and accessibility for somebody who is recovering from a stroke. Following are several post-stroke home modification suggestions from Heaven at Home Senior Care:
Preventing Falls:
Nearly 40% of stroke survivors undergo serious falls within a year after their strokes. These pointers can help avert trips and falls in the home:
- Make certain halls and paths to the bathroom, bedroom, and kitchen are clear so the senior can move about safely
- Consider installing stair glides or platform lifts for any stairs in the home
- Take out or secure loose rugs
- Mount grab bars in the shower or tub
- Use a shower chair or tub bench
- Place non-slip mats in and out of the tub
Ease Laundry Chores:
Taking care of laundry requires a lot of lifting, reaching, bending, and pulling that might be hard for someone recovering from a stroke. The alterations below can help:
- Move the washer and dryer to an area that is easily accessible
- Think about using front-loading, stackable machines that may be easier to reach
- Put detergents and other laundry supplies in a location that is easy to reach
- Use an ironing board that is mounted to the wall and folds down
Create a Safer Bedroom:
The bedroom is intended to be a place of sanctuary and safety. To make certain it stays that way after a stroke, consider these recommendations:
- Install a light switch near the bed
- Reorganize clothes and personal items so they are easier to access
- Keep a commode chair close to the bed
With our in-home safety assessment and suggestions, Heaven at Home Senior Care, providers of 24 hour care in Denton, TX and the surrounding communities, can help ensure that your loved one’s home is safer for recovery after a stroke. Our fully trained caregivers can also provide the care and assistance your loved one may need to improve recovery and make life easier. Reach out to us today to learn more about our Denton area home care services and the communities we serve.