As parents get older and less mobile, their adult children often consider having them move in with them.
This allows you to provide care and support for your aging parent. However, many homes are not designed with elderly occupants in mind. Some modifications will likely be necessary to make your home safe and accessible for an elderly parent. Here are some tips on preparing your home so that it’s suitable.
Remove Tripping Hazards
It’s important to thoroughly walk through your home and look for potential tripping hazards. Elderly people are more prone to falls, which can cause serious injury. Remove loose rugs and use non-slip rug pads and tape to secure edges of area rugs. Coil or tape down loose wires and cords out of walkways. Remove clutter from halls and pathways. Install adequate lighting in entryways, halls, and bathrooms. Use night lights to illuminate paths at night. Consider installing grab bars and handrails on both sides of stairways.
Improve Accessibility
Install lever-style handles on doors and taps as they are easier to operate than round knobs for those with arthritis or weakened grips. Ensure doorways are wide enough to accommodate a walker or wheelchair. You may need to widen some doorways. If your parent will be spending time upstairs, consider installing a stairlift to allow easy access between floors. Ramps can also be added to external doorways if needed. In the bathroom, install grab bars around the toilet and in the shower or bath. Use a shower chair or bath seat for added safety.
Add Mobility Furniture
Special furniture from a mobility furniture company that’s designed for the elderly and those with mobility issues can make a home much more liveable. An adjustable bed allows the head and foot to be raised and lowered, making it easier to get in and out of bed. Mobility chairs, which lift the person in and out of the seated position with the push of a button, eliminate the difficulty of lowering down into and getting up from a standard chair or sofa. Shop around for the best furniture for limited mobility. Other mobility aids like toilet risers, shower stools, and overbed tables also help the elderly remain independent in daily tasks.
Install a Monitoring System
A medical alert system allows your parent to call for help in an emergency. A system consists of a personal help button worn as a bracelet or necklace that connects to a base unit hooked up to your phone line. When the button is pushed, it summons an operator who will dispatch help. There are also monitoring systems that detect falls or allow you to remotely check in on your parent using motion sensors and live video. These give added reassurance that your parent is safe when you’re not there.
With some preparation and home modifications, you can make your home a safe and comfortable place for an elderly parent. Focus on improving accessibility, installing mobility aids, and adding safety features. This allows your aging parent to live with dignity while getting the care and support they need.