Elder Care in Hawaii Kai

Stairs can present a particular safety problem for your elderly loved one. She may have navigated that same set of stairs safely for decades, but a bout of poor health can make that difficult to continue doing.

Keep the Stairs Free of Any Clutter

Clutter is dangerous for your elderly loved one wherever it can pop up, but it’s especially dangerous on the stairs. One option is to keep baskets at each end of the stairs to corral items that need to go to one floor or the other. Instead of laying those items on the stairs, they have some place to go in the meantime.

Check the Lighting on the Stairs

If the lighting on the stairs isn’t so good, your elderly loved one may not be able to see where she’s stepping. This can be a problem no matter whether she’s going up or down the stairs. Try replacing the existing bulbs with brighter ones or adding additional light fixtures. Reflective tape at the edge of each stair tread can also help to improve visibility.

Make Sure that Railings Are Secure

Hand rails are essential for your loved one’s safety, of course, but if they’re not sturdy enough to catch her weight, they can be a problem. Test all of the railings and replace them if you need to do so. If there aren’t enough railings or they don’t go all the way down the stairwell, install additional ones.

Consider Installing a Chair Lift

Chair lifts are an automated lift system that enable your loved one to safely ride up and down the stairs without having to navigate them on her own. You may need to budget for a chair lift, but it’s a worthwhile expense if your loved one doesn’t feel that she can safely navigate the stairs on her own.

Move Your Loved One to the First Floor, if Possible

If there’s a bedroom or room on the first floor that can be used as a bedroom, your elderly loved one might be interested in converting that to her new bedroom. This can help your loved one to avoid having to navigate the stairs at all, which can be a tremendous source of relief for both of you.

Let your loved one’s elder care providers know that you’re concerned about stair safety so that they can help you make sure that the stairs remain as safe as possible.

Have questions about elder care in Hawaii Kai, HI? Contact the caring staff at All Care Hawaii today.  Call Oahu (808) 206-8409 or Maui (808) 664-3853.  Call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

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Jermie Chadwick, CEO

CEO / Owner at All Care Hawaii

Jermie graduated with her nursing degree from Ateneo De Davao University. Jermie has a compassionate nature, being raised by her Grandparents and Aunt who instilled in her respect for elders, as well as the “golden rule” to help others is priority. Jermie worked for many years with two of the leading Health Care Agencies in Hawaii and received many accolades from both the companies and the clients. During this time she expanded upon her extensive health care training and knowledge, by gaining vast practical experience. Today Jermie’s skills and experience are utilized in her oversight of all aspects of care provided by All Care Hawaii, assuring that the company she founded remains consistently committed to the best care for others and responsive to all client’s needs.

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