At Bur-del, we understand that providing excellent care for our loved ones as they age is a top priority. While professional aged care services offer invaluable assistance, we also know that budget constraints are a significant concern for many families. That’s why we’re passionate about sharing creative, affordable ways that can enhance the lives of aged care participants right in their own homes.
Let’s delve into some fantastic home made support hacks that can improve safety, comfort, and independence, turning a house into a truly supportive environment.
Accessibility and Mobility Hacks
One of the biggest challenges for seniors can be navigating their own living space as mobility changes. Many families assume costly renovations are the only answer, but clever home made support can often bridge the gap.
Non-Slip Solutions for Rugs and Mats
Slippery rugs are a major fall hazard. Instead of discarding them, consider using inexpensive rug grippers or even lines of silicone caulk on the underside to keep them firmly in place. This is a simple yet crucial home made support for preventing accidents.
DIY Grab Bars
While permanent grab bars are ideal, for areas requiring temporary or less intensive support, consider using sturdy, strategically placed furniture that can be held onto. For instance, a heavy, stable dining chair next to a bed can offer a secure point of leverage for getting up. Ensure it’s truly stable and won’t tip.
For the bathroom, using a strong suction-cup handle (ensure it’s designed for support and regularly tested for adhesion) can offer temporary assistance in the shower or near the toilet – a smart home made support where a permanent fixture isn’t feasible immediately.
Bottle Opener Grip Enhancers
For individuals with limited hand strength, opening bottles and jars can be frustrating. A piece of rubber matting (like those used for shelf liners) or even a thick rubber band wrapped around a lid can provide extra grip, making it easier to twist. This tiny home made support can restore a sense of independence.
Strategic Task Lighting
Good lighting prevents falls and reduces eye strain. Beyond overhead lights, consider inexpensive battery-operated LED puck lights or strips in dark hallways, stairwells, or inside cupboards. Placing them at ankle level can dramatically improve visibility at night. This is a brilliant example of home made support that directly impacts safety.
Glow-in-the-Dark Markers
For light switches, remote controls, or even the edge of steps, glow-in-the-dark tape or paint can be incredibly helpful during nighttime trips. It’s a low-cost, high-impact home made support for nocturnal navigation.
Comfort and Daily Living Aids
Personalised support at home isn’t just about safety; it’s about creating an environment that promotes well-being and ease of daily living. Many of these solutions are about adapting the home to the person rather than expecting the person to adapt to the home.
Chair and Bed Risers
If chairs or beds are too low, making it difficult to stand up, consider investing in inexpensive furniture risers. These can elevate the height, making transfers much easier and reducing strain on joints. This home made support element can significantly improve comfort and independence.
DIY Bedside Caddies
Attach a fabric caddy or even a simple multi-pocket organiser to the side of the bed. This keeps essentials like glasses, remotes, tissues, and a water bottle within easy reach, eliminating the need to stretch or get out of bed unnecessarily. This thoughtful home made support adds convenience.
Non-Slip Placemats
For those with tremors or limited hand coordination, a non-slip placemat can prevent plates from sliding during meals, reducing spills and frustration.
Easy-Grip Utensils
You can thicken the handles of existing cutlery by wrapping them with foam tubing (like pipe insulation) or even layers of medical tape. This makes them easier to grip for individuals with arthritis or other conditions affecting hand strength. This clever home made support restores dignity and ease at mealtime.
Pre-portioned Snacks and Meals
Preparing and portioning snacks and meals in advance, stored in easy-to-open containers, encourages healthy eating and reduces the effort required for food preparation. This is a valuable form of home made support that promotes good nutrition.
Memory Aids and Communication Boosters
Beyond the physical aspects, home made support can also extend to maintaining cognitive function and social connection.
Large Print Calendars and Clocks
Simple, clear, and prominently placed calendars and clocks help maintain a sense of time and routine. Add important appointments in large, bold letters.
Whiteboards for Reminders
A small whiteboard in a central location can be used for daily reminders, notes from family members, or a simple to-do list. This visual home made support can significantly aid memory.
Photo Albums with Labels
For individuals with memory loss, creating photo albums with clearly labelled names and relationships can be a comforting and engaging activity, helping to recall cherished memories.
Accessible Hobbies
Encourage hobbies that can be done easily at home, such as large-print crossword puzzles, audiobooks, simple gardening tasks (perhaps in pots), or listening to music. These are fantastic forms of home made support for mental stimulation and enjoyment.
Regular, Structured Visits
While not a hack in the traditional sense, establishing a consistent schedule for visits from family or friends provides crucial social interaction and reassurance. Even short, frequent visits can be a powerful form of personalised support at home.
Start Your Home Care Journey Today
These budget-friendly tips demonstrate that aged care home solutions don’t always require a significant financial outlay. A few smart and simple ideas can go a long way in providing exceptional support for elderly at home.
We encourage you to explore these ideas and think about how they can be adapted to your specific situation. If you have any questions about navigating aged care options or need further guidance, please don’t hesitate to contact Bur-del.
