Returning home from the hospital or rehabilitation center after a stroke can be challenging. While health care facilities are specially designed with patient safety and mobility issues in mind, most private residences are not. You should ensure your living space is arranged to support your continued recovery. By making some adjustments and having a caregiver service complete daily activities, many stroke survivors can maintain their independence at home. Below is an overview of how you can modify various rooms to fit your needs better.

3 Tips for Making a House Safe After a Stroke

1. Lower Kitchen Supplies

Stroke survivors often struggle with limited mobility, making it difficult to navigate the kitchen and have easy access to cabinets, countertops, and appliances. Place food and everyday kitchen supplies in lower cabinets and drawers, and replace standard storage options with pull-out shelves or baskets. 

Opt to use a microwave, toaster oven, or slow cooker instead of the stove. If you utilize caregiver services, they’ll help prepare and clean up meals.

2. Prevent Falls in the Bathroom

When you’re dealing with the effects of a stroke, the bathroom can be a particularly dangerous place, as there’s an increased risk of falling. Installing grab bars in the bathtub or shower and next to the toilet will help provide support while performing daily routines.

Also, consider increasing the door’s width and lowering the sink, mirror, and drawers for easier access. It’s especially crucial to have slip-resistant floors to reduce the chances of losing your footing on wet surfaces.

3. Improve Accessibility in the Bedroom

You want to ensure your private space promotes safe sleeping conditions, access to closets and wardrobes, and ease of transfer from an assisted medical device to the bed. Make sure your bed is the appropriate height by installing risers or removing casters, using bed steps, and replacing several sheets and blankets with a single duvet.

Increase accessibility by removing closet doors, lowering the poles, and replacing tall dressers with shelves, baskets, or bins. Don’t forget to keep a phone within reach so that you can request assistance when needed.

If you’ve recently suffered a stroke, the compassionate and experienced professionals at Quality Personal Care will help you recover in the comfort of your own home. They offer in-home caregiver services customized to address the unique needs of each client. Since 2006, they’ve proudly provided the highest standard of care to residents throughout Atlanta, GA, Clarksville, TN, and the surrounding communities. Call (404) 751-5090 to schedule a consultation, or visit them online to view the various services available.