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Sabita has brought out an extremely useful handbook for senior citizens, ‘A Handbook for Silvers,’ which has useful tips for those who live alone. With her permission I reproduce a few tips for making homes senior friendly. She says, “Think of your home as a final resting place and in the years to come you might need support if you become immobile or frail.”

● In your bathrooms install grab bars and a sturdy towel rack near the commode so that you can hold on to it while getting up.
● Handrails are a must even if you have to climb a few steps to the elevator.
● Keep your bathroom bone dry. Go in for a smaller washroom so that there is a wall to hold on to in case you feel giddy or unsteady. A sturdy stool at the right height is a must. Sit on a stool even when taking a shower.
● Get into the habit of leaving your bathroom door unlocked.
● Keep a battery-operated call bell in the washroom and bedroom.
● Keep your emergency medication by your bedside. Each of us has different emergency medicines, they could be for sudden palpitations or allergy pills. It is prudent to carry sorbitrate or aspirin to place under your tongue in case you have sudden chest pain.
● The bed plus mattress should never be low as getting on and off can be difficult. Always have a night light in the room and keep a torch handy as falls can be very serious for elders.
● Follow the golden rule of sitting up in bed for a moment or two before you stand up to avoid a sudden rush of blood to your brain which could cause giddiness.
● To prevent muscle weakness, do stretching exercises for 20-30 minutes every day. If you have joint pains and knee pain in particular, get a proper diagnosis carried out and then do all that you can to bring the situation under control after taking advice from your doctor.


To be continued....