As we age, we may require more help from others. Whether a parent or other relative is getting older, the best and most affordable way to care for them is often to provide a place in your home. The challenge is to create a place that accommodates their need for assistance and safety while allowing them to retain their dignity. Here’s how to prep your home for an elderly relative.
Talk to Their Health-Care Providers
You should speak to an elderly individual’s health-care professionals about any steps you should take to prepare for them to move in. In the case of hospice or other extended care, you should loop them in. Local hospitals often offer home services to provide care and comfort, which can be beneficial. Working with these professionals will help you arrange a several-step plan for moving in and setting up. For example, there are many advantages of adding a hospital bed to your home.
Improve Accessibility
Elderly individuals sometimes need special accommodations to get around the home and use facilities that younger folks take for granted. Make helpful modifications, such as putting grab bars near the toilet and in the shower. Arrange the furniture so that there are clearer and wider paths to get around. If they’re using a walker or wheelchair, ramps to the front and back doors may be necessary.
Prevent Falls and Injuries
Older adults are more prone to falling and hurting themselves, so eliminate the possibility of injury by reducing the number of falling hazards around the home. You don’t have to be older to be at risk of falls, so performing the following will keep everyone safer. Remove or secure rugs so that they won’t make people slip or trip. Also, add nightlights to passageways, and ensure doorframes are wide enough for wheelchairs and walkers.
Keep Things Simple
Little frustrations can build up and cause big problems for older people. Make things easier for them in little ways they may not even notice. Organize medications using pill dispensers. If they’re becoming forgetful, post notes and arrange for alerts to remind them to do things. Employ easily opened containers for food so that eating isn’t a struggle, and put frequently used items in easy reach. Above all, when deciding how to prep your home for an elderly relative, always remember to keep things comfortable and leave the lines of communication open. They’ll appreciate it, and so will you.
