Simple Home Modification Tips for Safer Post-Stroke Recovery

Post-stroke recovery is a mentally and physically challenging undertaking, and the only thing you’d like to do is to get back to your pre-stroke life. However, considering that more than half of stroke survivors commonly have some form of disability, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in-home safety modifications may be needed to make life following a stroke safer and easier.

The good news is that there are some easy actions that can improve safety and accessibility for someone who is recovering from a stroke. Following are a few post-stroke home modification suggestions from Harmony Home Health & Hospice, the leading provider of elderly care in Salt Lake City, UT and surrounding areas:

Fall Prevention:

About 40% of stroke survivors undergo significant falls within a year after their strokes. These strategies can help prevent trips and falls in the senior’s home:

• Make certain halls and pathways to the kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom are clear so the individual can move effortlessly
• Look into platform lifts or stair glides for any stairways in the house
• Take out or secure loose rugs
• Put in grab bars in the tub or shower
• Mount a shower chair or tub bench
• Use non-slip mats both in and out of the bathtub

Ease Laundry Chores:

Doing laundry demands a lot of lifting, reaching, bending, and pulling that might be hard for someone recovering from a stroke. The suggestions below can help:

• Move washers and dryers to a more easily accessible location in the home
• Consider using stackable, front-loading machines that could be easier to reach
• Place detergents and other laundry supplies in a location that is easy to reach
• Utilize an ironing board that is mounted to the wall and folds down

Make the Bedroom Safer:

The bedroom needs to be a place of sanctuary and safety. To make sure it stays that way post-stroke, consider these tips:

• Install a light switch close to the bed
• Reorganize clothing and personal items to ensure they are easier to access
• Keep a commode chair near the bed

With our in-home safety evaluations and suggestions, Harmony Home Health & Hospice can help ensure that your loved one’s home is safe and secure for post-stroke recovery. Our experienced home health care professionals can also provide the care and assistance your loved one may need to improve recovery and make life more comfortable. Contact us today to learn more about our Salt Lake City home care services and the surrounding communities we serve.