You need to ensure that your elderly parents feel comfortable living with you. You may have to modify your home to accommodate their needs. Some elderly parents require specific accommodations due to their medical conditions or age-related issues. It is important to provide fixtures and amenities that cater to their physical health and age, especially when families are planning long-term support at home with professional home care services.
Make your home entrance easily accessible.
You must make your home easily accessible for your elderly parents, whether you own a house or live in an apartment building. Apartments may not be suitable for elderly parents with limited mobility. You should consider purchasing a wheelchair and other aids to facilitate their daily lives. Installing a ramp will also enable them to move around the home with ease. If your elderly parents are physically fit, you should still take precautionary measures to ensure their safety.
Ensure your elderly parents’ bedroom and bathroom are on the first floor.
It is beneficial for both you and your elderly parents if their living space is on the first floor rather than the second floor. This eliminates the need for them to climb stairs frequently. Additionally, you should install home security systems, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure their safety. If your elderly parents suffer from dementia, consider installing a GPS system to locate them in case of emergencies.
Renovate basement
If you have limited living space in your home, consider renovating the basement for your elderly parents. Ensure that their bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen are easily accessible according to their needs. Installing ramps will make their movement more convenient. Hiring a contractor can help make your home more accommodating and reliable.
Illuminate your home
Increasing the lighting in your home will greatly benefit your elderly parents, as their eyesight may decline with age. Adequate lighting will enable them to move confidently and reduce the risk of falling, especially when lighting is dim or uneven.
Be kind with them
Moving can be a stressful experience for elderly parents. They may miss their previous home and fear losing their independence. Adapting to a new lifestyle can be challenging for them. It is important to be patient, positive, communicative, and kind. This will help foster a healthy and supportive environment for both you and your elderly parents throughout their lives.
FAQs
How do I make my home safer for an aging loved one?
You can make your home safer by improving lighting, removing tripping hazards, installing ramps or grab bars, and ensuring commonly used areas are easy to access.
What home modifications are most important for elderly parents?
The most important modifications include step-free entrances, first-floor bedrooms and bathrooms, better lighting, and safety devices such as smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Should elderly parents live on the first floor?
Yes, having bedrooms and bathrooms on the first floor reduces the risk of falls and makes daily movement easier for aging loved ones.
How can I reduce fall risks at home for seniors?
Fall risks can be reduced by increasing lighting, removing loose rugs, keeping walkways clear, and installing ramps or handrails where needed.
Is renovating a basement a good option for elderly parents?
Renovating a basement can be a good option if space is limited, as long as it is made fully accessible, well-lit, and equipped with essential safety features.
How can I help my aging parents adjust emotionally to a new home?
Being patient, kind, and communicative helps seniors adjust emotionally. Reassuring them and respecting their independence can ease stress during the transition.
