Choosing Home Mobility Aids For Independent Living

​As we age, the concerns around  safety and mobility within the home become more and more significant.  Our homes include so many hidden or unrecognisable hazards that can compromise the independence of seniors.

In the UK, more than 500,000 people aged over 65 attend A&E departments each year due to accidents at home, the majority resulting from falls. These incidents not only impact the health and autonomy of seniors but also place a considerable burden on healthcare services.

Addressing these concerns is paramount to ensure that seniors can continue to live independently and safely in their own homes. Implementing appropriate safety measures and utilising home mobility aids can significantly reduce the risk of falls and other accidents, thereby enhancing the quality of life for older adults.

Common dangers in the home for seniors

As people age, certain everyday household items are at risk of becoming more hazardous. Slippery floors, poor lighting, loose rugs, and winding stairs are some of the most common risks that contribute to falls and injuries. It’s important to recognise these risks as the first step in making the home a safer place for independent living.

Bedroom

The bedroom should be a place of comfort and relaxation, but for many older adults, it can also pose significant risks. Getting in and out of bed safely can become a challenge due to reduced strength, balance issues, or joint pain. Meanwhile, dim lighting, loose rugs, and clutter around the bed can create hazards that increase the likelihood of trips and falls, especially at night.

Since the bedroom is a space where people begin and end their day, ensuring ease of movement and accessibility is essential for maintaining independence. Fortunately, a few simple adjustments can make a big difference in safety and comfort. This can include simple fixes such as clearing spaces or purchasing motion sensor lamps to make it easier to navigate your space in the dark, to more personalised options including the purchase of an adjustable bed.

Hallway

A lot of older homes in the UK simply were not designed with mobility in mind. Narrow doorways and tight turns are commonplace, making it difficult to manoeuvre through with  a wheelchair or walking aid. While widening doorways isn’t an option for most individuals, there are still ways to improve accessibility and safety.. This might include the addition of a lamp or light fixtures that make navigating the space easier at night. The installation of grab bars on walls to make access easier, as well as removing unnecessary items that might result in a trip or fall, like loose rugs or shoes.

Stairs and Landing

Stairs are always one of the biggest challenges for those with  reduced mobility. In fact, stair-related falls are a leading cause of injury among seniors, often resulting in fractures, sprains, or a loss of confidence in moving around the home. Since stairs are often unavoidable in homes, making them safer and more accessible is essential. Stair lifts, handrails, contrasting step edges and securing or removing carpet can help make this area of the home safer and more accessible.

Bathroom

The bathroom is one of the most hazardous parts of any home, with this space accounting for as much as 80% of all falls in the home for seniors. Slippery surfaces, cramped spaces, and the need to move between standing and sitting positions in a wet environment all contribute to a higher risk of falls and injuries.

Making the bathroom safer and more accessible is crucial for maintaining independence. Fortunately, a few simple modifications can make a big difference including; installing a bath lift, utilising non-slip sticky floor mats, using a raised toilet seat as well as installing grab bars in high-traffic areas.

Kitchen

The kitchen presents unique issues for seniors. As one of the busiest areas in the home, it can become a high-risk environment.  From reaching high to open cupboards and access to food, to cooking on hot surfaces and using sharp utensils, there are hazards at every turn.

The kitchen can be made safer by installing anti-slip mats near the sink and oven, using lazy susan’s in awkward corner wall cupboards, as well as using adaptive kitchen tools like grip utensils and jar openers which can reduce strain and make cooking easier and more enjoyable.

Living Room

As the heart of any home, the living room can easily become cluttered with furniture, decorative items, and electronics. Items left on the floor or objects like coffee tables and chairs positioned too close to pathways can cause trips and falls and serious accidents. In the lounge, seniors with limited mobility, balance issues, or visual impairments are particularly vulnerable to bumping into furniture or tripping over cords, rugs, or misplaced objects.

To make this space more accessible, consider investing in mobility-friendly seating, such as a rise and recline chair. Declutter regularly and ensure that the living room is free from unnecessary items and obstacles. Ensure that furniture is sturdy, and seats include armrests for support, and are at the right height to make sitting and standing easier.

Assessing which aids are right for you

Choosing the right mobility equipment for elderly individuals depends on personal needs and lifestyle. A home assessment by an occupational therapist can help identify the best solutions for improved mobility and safety. Alternatively, speaking to a mobility expert can provide insight into the most suitable mobility products for your home.

How to increase independence in the home

Small adjustments can make a significant difference in maintaining independence. Simple changes such as installing grab bars, improving lighting, and using assistive devices can enhance mobility and confidence. Elderly mobility aids, such as stairlifts or adjustable beds, can provide additional support without compromising comfort.

Types of mobility furniture and their benefits

Investing in the right mobility products can greatly improve daily life. Here are some key pieces of furniture that can make a home more accessible.

Rise and recline chair

Rise and recline chairs are an excellent mobility aid for increasing independence, especially for those with limited mobility or joint pain. With an electric motor that can be operated at the touch of a button, these chairs make sitting and standing easier, reducing the need for assistance from caregivers or family members.

The adjustable backrest and footrest of a rise and recline chair allows users to customise their comfort and control their seating position, promoting autonomy. With a gentle lift that reduces the risk of falls, these chairs help individuals maintain confidence and independence in their daily activities, fostering a greater sense of self-reliance.

Adjustable beds

Adjustable beds provide excellent support for individuals with mobility challenges by allowing them to adjust the head, foot, or overall position of the bed to meet their needs. This customisation can relieve discomfort caused by conditions like back pain, arthritis, or poor circulation, making it easier to find a restful position.

Adjustable beds can also improve sleep quality by providing tailored support, which in turn helps promote better balance and stability. This improved rest can reduce the risk of falls, as proper sleep supports physical strength and coordination. By allowing users to adjust the bed independently, they gain greater comfort and control, leading to better overall health and a reduced likelihood of accidents.

Bath lifts

Bath lifts are a practical and dignified solution for anyone who finds getting in and out of the bath difficult. Instead of having to step over the side or worry about slipping, a bath lift gently lowers you into the tub and brings you back up again at the touch of a button. It takes the strain out of bathing and means you can enjoy a proper soak without needing additional help or support. It’s a simple change that can make bath time safer, more comfortable, and much more relaxing.

Stairlifts

A stairlift offers a safe, smooth way to move between floors without the risk of falls or overexertion. With simple controls and a comfortable seat, it provides the freedom to access the home easily, without fear or relying on others for help.

Ramps

Steps or raised platforms can quickly become obstacles if you’re using a wheelchair, walker or have reduced mobility. Utilising ramps in and around the home, for example from a back door to the garden can make moving around the home much easier and safer. They remove the worry of trips and stumbles, and help keep the home a more accessible place without needing major changes.

Discover Oak Tree Mobility’s range of mobility furniture

At Oak Tree Mobility, we understand the importance of maintaining independence in your own home. Our range of mobility equipment for elderly individuals is designed to provide both comfort and practicality. From rise and recline chairs to stairlifts, our expertly crafted products help create a safer living space without compromising on style or function.