All parents take good care of their children. That is a given. However, it comes the time when the tables turn and the places swap. What this means is that once parents grow old and are somehow not capable of looking after themselves, children should do the best they can to ensure the safe daily routine of their parents. Senior people’s reactions slow down, their sight is impaired and so is their moving ability. So, in a way, without the intention of sounding offensive, taking care of elderly people resembles looking after young children. This leads to the conclusion that your home needs to fit the needs of your elderly relatives.
Before you start any improvements at home, talk things over with your elderly mother/father. Sometimes, older people tend to be really stubborn, in the sense that they don’t want to accept the changes that have occurred in their lives and that they are not as healthy as they used to be 20 years ago, for example. Make them see that you do this in order to try and prevent the worst that could happen, without having to send them off to a nursing home, and that you will need their co-operation. Once they do realize they need special cares and succumb to them, it will be easier for both of you.
For those who can’t afford to hire 24 hour care givers or companions and because of work and other duties are not able to be around their parent all throughout the day, it is essential for them to ‘elder proof’ the home, making it safe in all aspects. Start off by getting rid of all ‘tripping hazard’ objects. Seniors are often on medications that cause dizziness and drowsiness. In such a state, it is easy for them to trip over. Remove all throw rugs under dining tables, around toilets, and basically everywhere else. Other tripping hazardous objects include ottomans, clothes baskets, low coffee tables, etc.
Elderly people’s mobility is highly impaired, so there is also the danger of slipping, if your home’s floor is covered with ceramic tiles or linoleum. Consider installing low-pile carpeting. Changing all flooring might be a bit pricey, but it’s a smart investment, as it protects an elderly person from a really painful injury.
The most hazardous room in the home is undoubtedly the bathroom, since it tends to become really slippery. Make sure you install strong bars around the shower and bathtub. Make them really strong so that they could provide support. Bars around the toilet can be helpful, too. Take care of the bathtub’s surface. Put adhesive stick-ons to prevent slipping.
In the kitchen, consider getting all high shelves’ contents into lower shelves so that they are easy to reach. Get rid of step stools. If the senior person’s sense of smell is diminished and you use a gas stove, it might be a good idea to switch to electricity, microwave being the best option. A valve left open and undetected can prove to be lethal.
There are situations where you simply have to say ‘no’. For example, the basement. It is a potential threat to the elder person’s life for a tumble down the steep stairs could be fatal. To prevent such situation, simply put a lock on the basement’s door and keep the key away from the senior.
Make everything visible. Always. Install recessed lighting or a low voltage track lighting, which are to be turned on once the sun sets and remain on all throughout the night.
Remember, parents look after us during all our lives, so the least we can do is to provide them a safe and calm remainder of their lives.
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