One of the best ways to ensure your senior loved one remains as independent as possible is to make changes to his or her home that make living easier. You may need to remove obstacles, add handrails, and choose furniture and fixtures designed specifically for older adults with mobility issues. However, one thing many caregivers often forget about is lighting. Enhancing lighting in the home can help seniors with impaired vision and mobility lead independent lives and prevent falls and other accidents. Here are a few tips to help you enhance the lighting in your loved one’s home.
Take Advantage of Natural Light
Take advantage of sunlight to brighten up your loved one’s home. Using sunlight is cheaper than adding more lamps and fixtures, and it may even help your loved one save money on his or her energy bill. Remove dark, heavy curtains and drapes and replace them with blinds that are easy to open. Add mirrors to rooms, as they’ll reflect natural light back onto the walls. If it’s in the budget, add skylights or extra windows in rooms where your loved one spends a lot of time.
Adequate lighting is just one of the many things older adults need to enjoy a high quality of life. If you have a senior loved one who needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of homecare families can rely on. All of our caregivers are bonded, licensed, and insured, there are no hidden fees, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts.
Replace the Bulbs
Sometimes adding more lighting to a home can be as simple as changing the light bulbs. Check lamps and fixtures to see the maximum wattage they can handle and upgrade to that number. Consider upgrading to LED lighting because a 10-watt LED bulb gives off the same amount of light as a 60-watt incandescent one.
Lighten Up the Colors in the House
Dark colors and heavy objects can absorb light. If your loved one is up for a change in décor, consider lighter colors. At the very least, paint the walls a lighter color. Both of you may be surprised at the change.
Add Lamps to Seating Areas
If your loved one has a favorite chair or sofa, make sure the area around it is well lit with an extra lamp or two. Adding a lamp allows your loved one to read, sew, eat, or handle everyday tasks in his or her favorite spot. Make sure the lamp is easy to reach, especially from a seated position.
Consider hiring a professional caregiver to help your loved one remain safe and comfortable at home. In Fair Oaks, respite care is a great help to many families. Caring for a senior loved one can be overwhelming at times, which puts family caregivers at risk for burnout. However, an in-home caregiver can take over your loved one’s care, allowing you the time you need to focus on your own health, maintain a full-time job, or care for other members of your family.
Ensure All Lighting Is Easy to Turn On & Off
Walking in a dark room increases your loved one’s risk of falls and injuries. Make sure the entrances to all rooms have working light switches. In the bedroom, make sure there’s a bedside lamp or light switch that can be reached from a lying position. Consider installing remote control lighting, smart home lighting, or lighting that’s voice or motion activated.
Insufficient lighting can make older adults susceptible to fall-related injuries and several other safety issues. Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality senior home care. Fair Oaks families trust Home Care Assistance to help their elderly loved ones age in place safely and comfortably. If you need professional care for your loved one, Home Care Assistance is just a phone call away. Reach out to one of our Care Managers today at (916) 485-4663.