Fall is coming. That means seniors should start thinking about their lighting. When the mornings are dark for a longer period of time and the sun sets very early, having good lighting is important. Seniors who are already prone to having low vision need to make sure that the lighting inside and outside their homes is bright enough to keep them safe this fall. Elder care providers can assist seniors with mobility during low light conditions, such as morning and evening walks or getting around the house after dark.

To be sure your senior has proper lighting as the days become shorter, here are some of the best lighting upgrades to implement:

Install Better Hallway Lighting

Hallway lighting is very important for seniors. When seniors are walking down dark hallways they are more likely to fall. Especially if they are walking down a dark hallway early in the morning when they get up or in the middle of the night. LED rope lights that are battery operated can be easily fixed to the floor or the walls to provide consistent lighting down a hallway. Seniors should also consider installing motion activated lights in hallways and stairways.

Upgrade Exterior Lighting

Exterior lighting is important for safety to deter burglars. And it also is important so that seniors can see the path clearly if they are coming home from an appointment, shopping, or the gym in the early dark of the fall or winter. Bright motion activated lights are the best lights for seniors to have outside. But solar charged path lights are a good thing for seniors to have as well. Place them at regular intervals along walkways and paths right up to the door.

Replace Floor Lamps With Sconces

Floor lamps are not a good option for lighting inside a senior’s home. Floor lamps tend to concentrate light in a small circle. They can cause shadows that make it harder for seniors to see where they are walking. And the cords can be tripping hazards for seniors who are walking around. Installing wall sconce lights that operate with a switch is a better way to light rooms like living rooms and dining rooms.

Replace All Overhead Light Bulbs

Fall is the perfect time for seniors to get all of their overhead light fixture bulbs replaced. An elder care provider can replace the existing bulbs with bright new bulbs that mimic the light of the sun. That will make the house feel warmer and brighter and make it much easier for seniors to see.

Install Smart Lighting

Seniors can use apps on their phone to control lights if they have a smart lighting system. The lights can also be set to turn on and off at particular times so that seniors don’t forget and leave lights on when they leave the house or go to bed. And anyone with the app and the account information can access the lights so adult children who are checking on their senior parent can also manage the lights if necessary.

If you or an aging loved one is considering elder care in Laurel, MD, please contact the caring staff at Care At Home today. 301-970-9706

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Ann Smith RN

Owner at Care at Home

Ann Smith, RN, Realtor® Your local Home care and Home transition expert Ann is a Registered Nurse and a Realtor with a passion and dedication to serving her community. She has over twenty years of nursing experience in pediatric, geriatric, home health care, and care management. She founded Care at Home, a home care company, to provide seniors with services that promote independence and safe aging in place. Ann is dedicated to helping seniors achieve stress-free retirement living by providing comprehensive services from health to home. Ann's mother instilled in her the value of hard work, dedication, and service to others at a young age, which is now a driving force in her home care agency. Her caring and compassionate work with seniors began when she was just 17 years old. She was offered a job as a caregiver. Just as quickly, she instinctively knew that this would be her life's work. She soon became a nurse and has since helped many older adults transition seamlessly into a new phase of life. While helping seniors and individuals with their home care needs, it became apparent that part of the transition process often involved selling their current home for more suitable living arrangements. That's when Ann decided to add real estate services to alleviate stress and enhance her client's experience. It's also how she became known as the Home Transition Agent. Today, Ann helps her mature clients achieve stress-free retirement living by providing in-home care and comprehensive services from health to home. Ann's love for children and dedication to helping families caring for children with chronic health conditions inspired Pediatric Care at Home, a division of Care at Home that provides pediatric nursing care. Ann and her team are dedicated to providing compassionate care to all, from infants to older adults. When Ann isn't busy helping her patients and clients, she volunteers her time at women's shelters and fostering dogs. She and her veteran husband enjoy a simple life in the countryside, where farm animals and country life surround them. Ann also enjoys reading, photography, gardening, and nature walk with their dogs.

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