collaborative post | Growing old can be hard on parents, and you will start noticing small details that might give you pause.
For example, your mother might find it difficult going up and down the stairs, or your father takes a longer time getting into or out of the bath.
Well, it is perfectly natural for you to get worried, but that does not actually mean that they have to leave their home. Right?
Fortunately, with some simple modifications, you can ensure that your parents continue to live safely and comfortably in their own home without having to worry yourself.
Want to see how a few thoughtful changes can help your parents stay safe?
Don’t wait; just read on to find out how you can make your parents’ home more comfortable.
Why staying at home matters
Home means much more than just four walls for most elderly people. That is where they have created memories, brought up their families, made acquaintances with neighbours, and settled into comfortable habits.
Staying within a familiar environment can allow these people to have more confidence and be independent for longer periods of time.
Routine activities, a familiar environment, and involvement in the community can contribute to the improved well-being of the elderly person.
Of course, every family is different. Some parents may welcome extra help, while others insist they’re “absolutely fine” even when you can see they’re finding things harder. The key is to have gentle conversations and involve them in every decision. After all, it’s their home.
Take a walk around the house.
One of the best ways to get started on making adjustments to your parent’s living space would be to tour the house together with them.
The great thing about this tip is that you don’t have to break the bank or think about costly renovations.
Enhance lighting
Improved lighting can do wonders when it comes to making movement through the house easier for your parents.
For starters, consider replacing any dull light fixtures with brighter ones in places like corridors, stairwells and entrances. You can even install motion-sensor lights in places like the outside or any other area in the home where darkness prevails. Another easy solution is the use of plug-in nightlights in case someone decides to visit the toilet in the middle of the night.
This is an easy fix that will benefit everyone.
Make the bathroom safer.
The bathroom is often one of the places where small changes can make quite a difference.
You might choose to install a grab rail close to the toilet or in the shower, put down a non-slip bath or shower mat, or install a shower seat if it becomes increasingly hard for your parents to stand in the shower for too long.
Clear away trip hazards.
Inspecting the floor of your flat or house and looking for potential dangers might prove to be a good idea.
Sliding rugs, power cables lying on the floor, narrow passageways and uneven flooring should be removed if possible. If your parents rely on a walking stick or a walker, make sure that there is plenty of room for moving around without banging into things.
Make entering easier and safer.
A front door is yet another area that can often be overlooked. Adding a good rail, lighting, or even just adding a little seat where you can put your shoes on will make going in and out of the house easier and more comfortable.
Such additions will allow your elderly parents to feel more secure leaving and coming back to the house every time.
For more easy tips about making the house safe and comfortable, check out [Jenny’s home article].
When the stairs become a problem
When you see your parent climb up the stairs slower than ever before, clutching the railing, or refusing to use the stairs, it may be time to look at other options. That doesn’t mean they have to move home.
In most cases, the installation of a stairlift will be the easiest option, but it may not suit all homes. So, in case there are narrow stairs or a peculiar design in your house, you should rather consider the installation of a through-floor or home lift.
As each home has its unique characteristics, why don’t you compare different solutions before you decide on anything?
Well, a comparison platform like Home Lifts UK provides you with the opportunity to compare home lift suppliers and solutions.
Simple Gadgets That Can Help
Technology can make day-to-day life easier for both yourself and your parent while making sure that they stay independent. There are some simple devices that you can purchase to provide you with additional comfort.
The following list contains some of those devices:
- Personal alarm pendants that will allow you to call out for help in case of need.
- Smart speakers that will be able to set reminders and make calls with voice commands.
- Video doorbells to see who is at the door before opening it.
- Week-long organisers for tablets to organise pills.
These small devices will help your parent to feel more secure while also making you sure that your parent has additional assistance if required.
Where to get proper advice
It’s not like you have to figure out everything on your own!
In case you do not know how best to support your parent, you can start by asking for a free occupational therapy assessment from your local council in the first place.
For more practical tips on living independently and making necessary adjustments at home, you can rely on Age UK.
Furthermore, if there is a need for bigger changes in your house, it would be wise to find out whether your parent is qualified to receive a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG).
A few small changes can make a big difference.
Supporting your parents doesn’t mean you should change everything overnight.
Instead, it is often the small steps such as making a hallway brighter, installing grab bars, clearing a path, or finding a solution to help with mobility that can assist them in staying safe and enjoying their independence.
Just proceed slowly, involve your parents in decision-making, and focus on what can enable them to enjoy their life at home.
