Since the day you were born, your parents have put your comfort first. Now that they are older, it is your duty to make them feel comfortable and cared for during this sensitive time in their lives. If you have a senior parent who is living with you then you should make sure that your home provides them with security, comfort, and familiarity. Simply put, you have to create a safe environment for your elderly mother and father so they can move easily around the house and avoid any injuries. Keep reading to learn how you can make your home safe and comfortable for your senior parents.
Remove Trip Hazards
Falling is the main cause of injury among elderly citizens, so in order to reduce any accidents and make your home safe for your elderly parents, you have to remove any trip hazard. This can be achieved by removing decorative throw rugs, any clutter around the house like shoes or small toys, getting rid of unused furniture, creating an open environment so that they can walk around the house easily, removing extension cords, and making sure that they wear non-slip shoes or slippers around the house.
Install a Stairlift
It isn’t easy for older people to climb up and down the stairs especially if they lose strength in their body due to different diseases like Parkinson’s disease. Climbing up and down the stairs can be a painful and exhausting task for them that may cause them to consider staying on one floor or relocating. In order to bring your parents comfort and peace of mind, you should install a stairlift because according to www.stairlifthelper.co.uk, your parents shouldn’t have to go through the stress of moving to another house just because it isn’t easy for them to use the stairs. A stairlift will make it easy for them to go to any floor in the house without any pain or fear that they may fall down. Moreover, this will also make them feel independent and will bring you peace of mind when you aren’t in the house. The best thing about this device is that it is powered by a battery so it will not fail during any electrical failure.
Also, while creating a safe place for your parents, don’t forget to consider looking for a physician as well. If it was me, I would find a credible nearest doctor to my location on whom I can rely. It would be better to find a place like Oakstreet with specialized primary care for your parents.
In this way, in the time of any emergency, you can count on the care of the professionals.
Keep the House Warm
To provide a cozy and comfortable living space for senior parents, it’s crucial to focus on keeping the house warm during chilly weather. With numerous heating options available, it’s interesting to note that many people often opt for a pellet or wood stove, and for good reason. These stoves are often seen as environmentally friendly, as they utilize renewable resources and produce minimal emissions. Additionally, they are cost-effective to run, making them an attractive choice for those seeking both warmth and economy. When considering heating options, one must weigh the benefits of a pellet stove vs. a wood stove. Both have their advantages, with pellet stoves offering automated convenience and wood stoves providing a traditional, rustic warmth. The choice ultimately depends on factors like ease of use, maintenance, and personal preference. Regardless of the heating source, ensuring a well-insulated home with proper sealing and insulation is equally important. By taking these measures, you can create a snug and inviting environment where senior parents can enjoy the warmth and safety of their home.
Ensure Bathroom Safety
The bathroom is the most dangerous place in the house because your parents can easily slip and injure themselves badly there. This is why you have to make sure that this room is very safe for them. You can do this by installing grab bars, set the temperature on the water heater to 120 Fahrenheit to avoid accidental burns, placing a rubber mat in the bathtub, putting a shower bench in the tub, and buying a handheld showerhead.
Install Home Automation
Home automation will make the life of a senior citizen a lot easier and safer. You can install a smart thermostat that can automatically turn itself down when no one is in the room, and also it can be programmed remotely. You can also opt for smart lights that you can program to turn on and off at certain hours. Moreover, for extra safety, you can install motion sensors that will trigger the lights if your elderly parent gets up late at night to use the bathroom. These devices will keep them comfortable and prevent any accidents.
Make the Kitchen Senior-Friendly
It is important to make your senior parents feel independent as this is really good for their morale. If they aren’t in a wheelchair and prefer to do things themselves, then you should make the kitchen senior-friendly so they can make a sandwich or a cup of coffee whenever they want to. You should pull down the items that they usually use from high shelves and make them easily accessible to them, and place a step stool for them in case they want to reach for something. You have to also ensure that there isn’t any expired food in your fridge because your senior family member may not be able to see the date on a package and ends up consuming expired food or beverages.
No one said that it is easy to care for a senior citizen but it isn’t impossible. Many people choose to have their elderly parent spend their golden years with them but they don’t think it through. Your home is a safe place for you but it isn’t safe for your elder family members. There are some changes that need to be done to make them feel safe and independent, and so you will also be able to go to work without being worried about their safety. These changes will give you and your parents comfort and peace of mind.