Home Comfort Hacks for Older Adults: Warm, Safe, Sound

Comfort and safety at home are often increased with declining temperatures for older adults. A few deliberate, simple changes can make all the difference in comfort, safety, and peace of mind at home.

Keep It Warm – But Safe:

Try to keep indoor temperatures constant, especially since elderly people are more sensitive to cold temperatures. Keep draft stoppers under doors, layer up in clothing, and wrap up in blankets! If using heaters, do so with safety precautions in place and be careful with loose cables and clutter.

Light the Way:

Appropriate lighting can also minimize the risk of a fall and maximize independence. Place nightlights in your halls, bathroom, and bedroom. As a bonus, you can even install motion-sensor lights as a safety precaution.

Declutter and Simplify:

A clean space is a safe space. Remove any loose rugs, organize cables, and place any needed items within reach to minimize the risk of tripping and falling, while creating a more tranquil and organized space.               

This may seem very basic, but having one of their favorite blankets, soft slippers, or a familiar scent-like soap, lotion, or a candle-can bring some happiness to an older adult. Encourage seniors to have special items close by; it invokes connection and comfort with loved ones. 

At MIWA home care, we believe that all seniors should live in a place they could call home and should feel safe, warm, and at peace. We help create that situation many times a day, because comfort is at the heart of great care