Introduction
If you're an adult child with aging parents, the question of whether they should stay in their home or move into yours can be stressful. When you're thinking about what's best for your parent's health and well-being, you need to consider more than just their age and physical ability: You also have to think about the safety of their living environment.
Think About the Home
It's important to consider your parent's home as you prepare to discuss their needs with them. If they live in a house or apartment, take note of the layout of the space. Is there enough lighting? Are there sufficient outlets for charging their mobile devices? Is there a staircase in the house? These are all important factors to keep in mind.
It's crucial to consider mobility issues and balance problems when assessing your aging parent's living situation. If their current home doesn't provide adequate support services, it may be best to move them to an assisted living facility that offers additional assistance, such as meal delivery directly to their room.
If finances are a concern, which is often the case, you may require assistance in locating affordable housing options in the vicinity so that your loved one can continue to reside close by while receiving aid from staff members who possess a better understanding of their needs than family members.
Keep it Safe
Keep stairs safe:
Use handrails on the stairs, and make sure they are in good condition.
If there is a railing, but it's loose or has been damaged in any way, replace it immediately.
Consider installing safety locks on cabinets and drawers so that your parent won't accidentally open up something dangerous when they're looking for something else. You can also add some kind of lock to their refrigerator if you think they might accidentally open it while standing at the kitchen counter or table--they may not realize how heavy it is until after they've opened it!
Make sure there's good lighting throughout the house; not just in rooms where someone might be spending time alone (like bedrooms). It helps prevent accidents like tripping over things that are hidden underfoot by darkness--or even just tripping over themselves because they weren't able to see where they were going well enough due to poor lighting conditions!
Consider Maintenance
You may think that keeping a clean home is simple, but if your parent has dementia or Alzheimer's, it can be a challenge.
The floors should be vacuumed regularly. Don't forget to get under furniture and in crevices where dirt can collect.
Keep the refrigerator and pantry neat and organized so they're easy to find things in when needed.
Bathrooms should be cleaned daily with soap and water; don't forget about cleaning behind faucets or around toilets where mold often builds up!
Have laundry done at least once per week so clothes are always fresh when needed (especially important for those who use incontinence products).
If your parent has dementia or Alzheimer's, the home should be kept as simple and clutter-free as possible. Keep furniture to a minimum and make sure everything is where it belongs. If they're having trouble with their memory, you can label items in their room so they know where things go. This will help reduce frustration and confusion as well as prevent accidents!
Make it Easy to Access Them
You want to make sure your parent or loved one is safe and comfortable at home. To do that, you need to think about the things they'll need in order to be able to get around their house and access important items.
Provide a place for them to sit: If your parent or loved one is unable to stand up for long periods of time, consider purchasing an extra chair so they can rest while watching TV or doing other activities around the house.
Make sure they can see what's happening: If there are any areas where someone might have difficulty seeing out of their line of sight--such as behind the kitchen table--make sure those areas are clear so there aren't any obstacles blocking their view if needed during an emergency situation such as a fire alarm going off in another room (which could lead someone else scrambling into action while leaving this person behind).
Make sure they can reach everything they need: For example, if someone needs medication before bed every night then make sure they have easy access via countertops near where people sleep most often throughout each day so nobody has trouble getting up when necessary during nighttime hours when most folks aren't awake yet anyway! This includes making sure all medications are kept safe from harm too... always remember safety first!"
If there are any areas where someone might have difficulty seeing out of their line of sight--such as behind the kitchen table--make sure those areas are clear so there aren't any obstacles blocking their view if needed during an emergency such as a fire alarm going off in another room (which could lead someone else scrambling into action while leaving this person behind).
Make sure they can reach everything they need: For example, if someone needs medication before bed every night then make sure they have easy access via countertops near where people sleep most often throughout each day so nobody has trouble getting up when necessary during nighttime hours when most folks aren't awake yet anyway!
Make the Bathroom Elder Safe
The bathroom is the most dangerous room in the home. Elderly people are more likely to slip and fall, especially if they have poor balance or vision problems. If you have an older parent who lives with you, make sure that their bathroom is safe:
Make sure there are no loose rugs or carpeting on slippery floors.
Install grab bars near toilets and tubs so they can steady themselves if needed.
Replace old faucets with anti-scald devices if necessary (most modern ones come with this feature). This will prevent water from getting too hot when turned on accidentally.
If you have a shower, make sure that it is properly installed and doesn’t leak. If your parent has mobility problems, consider installing a walk-in bathtub with handrails. Add non-slip mats to the bottom of the tub to prevent falls.
Conclusion
As we've seen, there are many factors to consider in creating a safe home for aging parents. You may not be able to fix everything at once, but by thinking through what would make their lives easier and safer, you can start making changes that will have a big impact on their overall well-being and quality of life.
Building Specs Home Inspection Service has been providing home inspection services since 1998., As a part of your home inspection process, it is crucial to conduct a comprehensive evaluation to identify any potential safety concerns in your home. Our home inspection report will help ensure that you and your family are living in a safe and secure environment.