We all love the comforts of home, don’t we? Especially when the weather is bleak, it’s always nice to cozy up at home to keep warm and comfortable. For many older adults, however, the supposedly-simple act of finding comfort can be difficult. Arthritis and back pain among other ailments create discomfort in a myriad of ways. As a result, seniors require some assistance with enhancing their home environments to make them more enjoyable and comfortable.
Here are four ways seniors can boost their comfort at home:
1. Create an ergonomic living space.
The term “ergonomic” refers to anything relating to or designed for efficiency and comfort in the working environment. By making your living environment ergonomic, you essentially create spaces that are designed to support your body. How can you do that? You can start by arranging your furniture in a way that allows for easy movement and accessibility.
You can also invest in ergonomic furniture, such as chairs with lumbar support or adjustable beds. They help to alleviate pressure on your joints and back. Adding soft cushions and pillows on sofas can also make sitting and lying down more comfortable. This would be especially helpful for seniors with conditions like osteoporosis or arthritis.
2. Embrace modern technology.
We’re well aware that most seniors aren’t exactly gadget junkies. However, it’s important for them to know about the technologies that can help to enhance comfort in the home. For example, smart home devices allow you to control lighting so that you don’t have to search for light switches in the dark. A smart thermostat can help regulate the temperature in your home, ensuring that you stay cozy without having to constantly adjust the thermostat manually.
Dan Rubinstein of Carleton University reports that new technologies are helping to keep seniors safe at night. He reveals that Bruce Wallace of Sensors and Analytics for Monitoring Mobility and Memory is experimenting with electronic pads under mattresses and on the floor. “Wirelessly connected to a computer, the sensors track when someone gets up from bed, and motion sensors in the hallway monitor where they go,” Rubenstein informs.
3. Wear comfortable footwear.
Many of us like to wear house slippers or even go barefoot at home. However, for seniors dealing with foot pain or conditions like plantar fasciitis, supportive footwear is essential. Look for shoes that provide ample support and cushioning. You may wish to wear orthopaedic shoes or inserts that are designed to alleviate pressure and provide stability. Avoid walking barefoot, as this can increase the risk of slips and falls, which can be particularly dangerous for seniors.
According to the Orangeville Foot Clinic, “the three primary risk factors for falling are poor balance, taking four or more prescription medicines, and muscle weakness…When evaluating fall prevention strategies, finding seniors affordable, comfortable, therapeutic, and orthopaedic footwear is not always a consideration, yet it definitely should be.”
4. Invest in a power lift chair.
Power lift chairs are mobility devices that are equipped to gradually lift a person slowly to a standing position or ease him/her into a sitting position. Lift chairs enable you to safely get in and out of your chair in comfort and without causing injury. They are very stable, so getting in and out of your chair will not cause the mobility device to tip over or move.
To learn more, please don’t hesitate to call us at 416-267-9800 or email us at info@lifecaremobility.ca. You may also contact us by filling out the form on our Contact page!
