It is a big responsibility, to open your home to your elderly parents. They might need additional care or just crave companionship in their later years, and you could be the best option in fulfilling these wishes. If this is something you choose to do, then you might need to look at the safety of your own home.
Your house might be easy to navigate for you, but this might prove difficult for seniors who are beginning to experience difficulty with movement and cognitive functions. This extends further than just changing the layout of your home, though; it will also mean building a support network for you and your parents as well as keeping you mom and dad active and independent.
For more information on how to achieve this, keep reading this post.
Adjust Your Home Accordingly
To increase safety for your parents, you should modify your home and install safety equipment throughout the house. How far you need to adjust your home will depend on the needs of your mom and dad; it might be as simple as decluttering or as thorough as fitting handrails and grab bars. These additions will enable your parents to move freely and regain some of their independence.
One of the key areas to look at when modifying your home is the bathroom. This can be a risky room for the elderly, so you should look to eliminate hazards like high steps into the shower and slippery floors. You can install grab bars near the bathtub, shower, and toilet, or you might go even further and adjust the toilet height for either sitting and standing and fit a walk-in shower. With the right products, you can achieve this security without losing the homey feel.
There are also general adjustments that can be made to your home, if your parents require them. Although this is a standard check to do in all homes, smoke detectors must be in working condition, and fire extinguishers should be easy-to-access and functional. You might upgrade the furniture in the house to include rounded edges and sturdy bases, which will reduce fall risks.
Create a Support System
Having an adequate support system is important to you as well as your parents. It can be a difficult change to commit to, especially if your parents were previously very independent. You might have your own young family to care for, too, or maybe you’re very much used to living by yourself. Either way, living with elderly parents who require care will be an adjustment.
A support system can be created using members of your family as well as friends and other close acquaintances. Although they can ensure you all receive assistance and help break up the responsibility, it is also comforting to know that you have someone to talk to when things get tough. This will be the same for your parents, too, if they need to talk to someone other than you. It is a good idea to bring some of their close friends into the support network, too.
Additionally, to avoid letting this new responsibility take over your entire life, you might want to consider hiring a professional carer to assist your parents. An in-home carer could be the best choice, allowing your parents to stay in the house you all share. The help you can obtain, like that offered by Visiting Angels La Jolla – Senior In-Home Care Services, goes a long way in ensuring both you and your parents are supported at home. In-home services can include medication reminders, meal planning and preparation, social interaction and more.
Encourage Activity
A sedentary lifestyle can be detrimental to an individua’s lifestyle, and this becomes even worse as you age. An elderly person who does not remain active will lose their independence shortly afterward, and living with their child could speed up this process. Without having to care for themselves fully or look after their own home, the lessened responsibility will begin to take its toll.
You can encourage activity by letting your aging parents take the lead with some tasks. This might mean you do the tasks alongside them, instead of doing the tasks for them. It might require more time to complete the tasks, but it will benefit your parents by keeping some part of their independence. They are less likely to experience self-esteem issues through this method, and it will help to keep them functioning. You do not want to fully encourage dependence on you or others, especially if your mom and dad are still able.
By following the tips outlined in this post, you will create a safer space for your mom and dad as they move into your home.