Page 8 - August2020-NBY News

SENIOR INDEPENDENCE or INTERDEPENDENCE

A Safer Home for Senior 5) Download a free Fall Prevention Bring in experts
Independence apartment better meet their changing Guide (www.rightathome.net/fall- “Anyone can clean up clutter or check a smoke
Where do you want to live as you needs. Here are modifications that could prevention) alarm battery. But many home modifications are
grow older? Surveys of people aged 50 help the home adapt: best left to experts,” says Dickstein. “Poorly
and older show that a large majority Major remodeling projects: Home security: planned and built features can be useless and
want to age in place, staying in their 1) Roll-in shower 1) A peephole in the front door even hazardous.”
own homes even as their health needs 2) Lowered kitchen cabinets 2) Outdoor lighting and trimming
change. “Many older adults want to 3) Widened doorways shrubbery away from windows About Right at Home
remain in the surroundings to which 4) Stair lift or personal elevator 3) Improved locks on all doors and Founded in 1995, Right at Home offers
they are accustomed, in their 5) Wheelchair ramp or ramped windows in-home companion and personal care and
established neighborhood with entryway 4) A home security system assistance to seniors and disabled adults
familiar shops and services,” notes 6) Nonslip, nonglare flooring who want to continue to live
Doug Dickstein, President/Certified Some upgrades that are more modest in Removal of fire and burn hazards: independently. Right at Home directly
Senior Advisor (CSA) in scope: 1) Turn down the water heater to employs all caregiving staff, each of
Burbank. ”Through the years, they 1) Grab bars in the bathtub or shower 120° F whom are thoroughly screened, trained,
have grown an informal support and next to the toilet 2) Install smoke alarms and check bonded and insured prior to entering a
system of family, friends and 2) Raised toilet seats them regularly client’s home. Right at Home is based in
neighbors. Home is where their roots 3) Rocker-type light switches 3) Use extension cords properly Burbank, California and services the entire
are!” 4) Improved lighting indoors and out 4) Follow the instructions for space Greater Los Angeles area, including all of
But as the years pass, families often 5) Handrails on both sides of stairs heater use the San Fernando Valley, Hollywood,
wonder if older loved ones are still Emergency communication Beverly Hills and the Antelope Valley. For
safe living at home. Those two flights Quick fixes to reduce the risk of falls: improvements: more information about Right at Home
of stairs, that fashionably dim 1) Rearrange furniture so your loved 1) Be sure your loved one has a contact www.rahlosangeles.com, 818-956-
lighting, the vintage clawfoot bathtub one won’t trip mobile phone and knows how to 5905 or by email at info@rahglendale.com.
- features of the home that everyone 2) Remove throw rugs and tack down use it Read the Right at Home caregiving blog
took for granted suddenly seem like carpets 2) Consider a personal emergency at www.rightathome.net/glendale/blog.
hazards! It’s time to evaluate the 3) Clean up clutter, and break the response system To sign up for Right at Home’s free adult
suitability of the home and learn habit of placing items on stairs 3) Install a smart speaker or other caregiving eNewsletter, Caring Right at
about improvements that can help 4) Keep extension cords out of the high-tech system Home, visit http://www.rightathome.net.
your loved one’s house, condo or pathway

8 August 2020