Living Independently

Here at Right at Home Cheshire East, we are huge advocates of Seniors Living Independently, ensuring that our clients are able to live as independently as possible is a key cornerstone of why we exist.

As we age, the risk of avoidable accidents taking place can have a huge impact on someones life and also confidence. Hence, if you are able to consider some of the basic guidelines below, you can mitigate these risks.

Access to home:

• Grab rails at an entrance are always a good idea so people don’t loose balance when looking for their keys!
• Good lighting outside the house is imperative, especially when it is dark.

Inside the house / Layout:

• Avoid basic trip hazards (loose carpets and also wires etc)
• When corridors are clear of clutter, mobility aids are safer
• Property layout – sometimes moving the bedroom downstairs is a very helpful solution, especially if your loved one struggles with stairs. Something seemingly drastic like this has helped many people with living independently.

Bathroom & Bathing:

• Use of bathing aids (shower seats, also grab rails etc)
• Ensure that bath mats are appropriate – some of the older ones are more of a risk than a risk-reducer
• Ensure everything that would be needed is close by, so for example easy to reach towel rails etc

In the kitchen:  

• Use helpful technology (an old favourite is the “one-cup kettle” – both energy efficient and safe).
• Keep contents of the kitchen in “clear view” – so that contents of cupboards can be seen, consider glass fronted cupboards.
• Create a nice eating environment that can improve the dining experience and have a impact on nutrition levels as well.