How to Make a Home Safe for Your Elderly Parents: Tips and Strategies
It’s never too early to start preparing for your future. This is especially true when it comes to aging parents. If you are caring for an elderly parent at home, the last thing you want is a fall that could cause severe injury or even death. Follow these tips and strategies to make your home safe for your parents, whether they’re coming up on their golden years or have been there for decades.
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Secure Entryways
Your entryways are a critical part of your home, as they are the first point of contact with those who visit. As such, you want to make sure that those entryways are safe for even a less mobile person.
A straightforward solution is to change out doorknobs which require twisting and turning in favor of lever-style handles – this makes it easy enough even for people with arthritis or limited hand strength to open up their doors without breaking a sweat.
Make Accommodation for Limited Mobility
Making accommodations for limited mobility is key to keeping your elderly parents safe in their homes. This could mean installing ramps, widening doorways, or adding grab bars and non-slip surfaces to critical areas like the bathroom and kitchen.
You can get a real estate interior designer to help you rearrange furniture to make the home more accessible, or take a look at online resources like this one from AARP.
Elder-Proof Your Bathrooms
Your bathrooms are likely the most dangerous part of your home for your elderly parents. You can reduce slips and falls by adding non-slip mats to the bottom of showers, tubs, sinks, and other wet areas where slipping is at risk. It may be necessary to install slip-resistant strips professionally on slippery bathroom floors or install adhesive bath mats with rubber backing. They are not too thin, so they will stay in place while being comfortable enough for seniors to stand on them throughout their showering routine.
Rearrange Furniture Accordingly
Rearranging furniture can make a big difference in the safety of your elderly parents’ home. If areas are likely to trip or fall, try to clear up as much space as possible. Additionally, consider furniture that is lower to the ground and easier to get around.
Set Up a Bedroom With a View
Setting up a bedroom with a view can help your elderly parents feel more at ease in their home. If possible, try to select a room with plenty of natural light and an open view. This will help them relax and enjoy their surroundings.
Clear Up Clutter
Clutter can be dangerous for seniors, leading to falls and other accidents. Ensure to clear away any obstacles or hazards from common areas and keep floors and surfaces clean and organized. This will help create a safe environment for your parents to live in.
Conclusion
Making your home safe and comfortable for your elderly parents can be a daunting task, but it’s definitely worth the effort. By following the tips and strategies outlined in this article, you can create a safe and inviting space for them to live in. So don’t wait any longer – get started today.
