Do you want to stay at home as long as possible but feel like you are having difficulty carrying out your daily activities? Home support tools could be the solution!
FOR WHOM AND WHY?
There’s nothing better than the comfort of home. However, our beloved home can hide unpleasant surprises from us and become dangerous over time. Whether due to loss of autonomy due to aging or disability, staying at home can become difficult and risky. Fortunately, there are ways to help you.
There are numerous tools to help you stay at home. This includes the services offered by various providers as well as the equipment designed to improve the environment in your home. They are aimed at both people who are losing their autonomy and their natural caregivers. Such tools are used in different contexts. For example, they can be used temporarily to support returning home after an operation or long-term if you have a permanent physical disability.
SERVICES AVAILABLE
Certain services may be offered to you and those around you to assist you in returning or staying at home. For example :
- family medicine services;
- Care at home (blood test, dressing change, medication injection, etc.);
- the services of a social worker (budget support, forms, etc.);
- personal care (e.g.: help with bathing);
- respite services for caregivers;
- nutritional support (e.g. meal preparation);
- domestic help services (housekeeping, clothing care, etc.);
- etc.
The majority of these services are offered by the public network. Please contact your CLSC for further information.
HOUSE DEVELOPMENT
The most important thing is that your environment is as safe as possible so that you can stay at home. Enlist the help of a professional to inspect your home and recommend adjustments to reduce risks and meet your needs. For example :
- bathroom remodeling;
- addition of a stair railing;
- installing an exterior access ramp;
- Improving indoor and outdoor lighting to prevent falls;
- Removing obstacles such as electrical cables, carpets, small furniture, boxes or the vacuum cleaner in traffic areas;
- Use of mobility aids (cane, walker, walker, etc.);
- etc.
THE BATHROOM
The bathroom is one of the most dangerous rooms in the house, especially because unfortunate falls can happen there. In this context, the key word is security. The following important things will help you prevent falls:
- Install a non-slip mat for the bathtub or shower. Bath mats guarantee your safety. There are several models on the market. Pay particular attention to the size and quality of the bonding.
- Insist on rust-proof metal wall grab bars. The middle section of this type of latch is usually ribbed, which provides a good grip even when the hand is wet or soapy.
- Use a raised toilet seat. Placed on the toilet bowl, the raised seat makes it easier to get up from the toilet without the risk of falling. A second grab bar can also be installed near the toilet bowl.
Your pharmacist can help you with measures and tools to help you feel more comfortable at home. Discuss it with him and ask him to inform you about the equipment available in the pharmacy. He can also inform you about the side effects of medications that could harm you and affect your autonomy or safety.
If you have decided to stay at home as long as possible, several professionals can help you. Maintain a good environment even if you live alone. By taking steps to ensure your comfort and safety, you can fully enjoy the joys of staying at home!