Mom and Dad need a little more help as they get older, and you’ve collectively made the decision that it’s best they move in with you. Before they arrive, it is important that you create a space where they can feel welcomed, comfortable, and safe. As many seniors have difficulties with mobility, vision, and hearing, you need to take a risk assessment to remove or install things to help keep them safe and healthy. Below, are a few things you might consider to make your parents feel protected in your home.
Replace the Flooring
Slip and fall accidents are common among seniors. To keep your loved ones from hurting themselves, you may need to replace your flooring. Thick carpeting and slick hardwood or marble floors are major tripping hazards that could harm them. You’ll want to remove this form of flooring in the areas where your loved ones frequently travel.
Secure Area Rugs
Area rugs are a great home decor item that many households have. If you happen to have a few in your place, you’ll need to make sure that they are properly secured to the ground to prevent a tripping hazard. Should you decide to nail down the carpets, make sure you secure the nails completely in the ground to avoid injuries.
Make Traveling the Stairs Easy
Stair-related falls are another common accident among seniors. As mobility problems like arthritis or other disabilities can make it complicated to go up and down the stairs, making it easier for them improves their comfort and safety. You can add another railing for extra support, add non-slip mats to the stairs, or invest in stairlifts for a smooth transport up and down.
Lighting is Vital
Vision is another thing that seems to fade with age. To help your parents get around when the sun goes down, it is best you have the proper lighting. You should especially install lights in areas where it is hard to see or easy to get hurt in. This might include adding some lights to the staircase, along with dark hallways, in the bathroom, as well as at the front and back door for extra security.
Grab Bars and Handrails
Should your aging family member lose their balance they could fall and get hurt. Installing grab bars and handrails help to increase safety. They can use the sturdy bars and rails for additional support. You can add them in the bathroom where things tend to stay slipper as well as in the hallways, on the stairs, and wherever else they may be having trouble getting around. Be sure that they’re properly secured to the wall so they don’t end up coming loose at the worst possible time.
Bed Railings or Sleep Chairs
One of the most difficult positions to get out of, especially when you have trouble getting around is laying flat in the bed. Bed railings can be installed and secured to either side of the bed to provide additional support for seniors getting in and out of bed. It can also prevent them from rolling off and getting injured. If laying flat is causing more discomfort than it’s worth another option is a sleep chair. Built like recliners these chairs provide support for seniors with mobility problems.
Home Security Systems
For peace of mind, comfort, and protection for your entire family a home security system is another option. More advanced systems come equipped with medical alert necklaces, 24-hour monitoring service, cameras with remote access, and panic buttons for immediate dispatch of emergency services to your home. Should anything go wrong, you have the full backing of a home security monitoring team and local authorities.
You’re going to have a full house and even more people to care for. The best way to make sure that mom and dad are safe, happy, and comfortable is to take an assessment of your house. Look for hazards and find ways to make their stay easier on everyone. This, in turn, will make the transition of your parents moving in a lot smoother.
