5 Ways to Make Your Elderly Parent’s Home Safer for Them
Does your elderly parent still live at home independently? Do you sometimes worry about their safety and well-being since you aren’t there with them daily? It’s a common worry to have, and while your parent may not need assistance at all times there are some simple ways you can make their home as safe as possible for them.
Here are five tips you can make that will help put your mind at ease and add a level of safety to your parent’s home.
Remove Tripping Hazards from the Home
A good place to start is by removing any potential tripping hazards from the home. This could involve doing a major decluttering, helping your parents to organize the space better and fixing any potential hazards like lifting carpet, loose flooring and so forth. All hallways and rooms should be as open and free to move about as possible.
Install Extra Lighting or Brighter Lights
Lighting is also important, especially as people age. It gets harder to see in low light conditions or the dark, which can lead to accidents and falls. The best solution is to install additional lighting like lamps, bright lightbulbs, and night lights throughout the house.
Make Sure They Have a Fully Stocked First Aid Kit
Because an accident, a cut or scrape, a bug bite or any number of other minor medical issues can happen, a fully stocked first aid kit is also important. A personalized first aid kit is a great way to go because you’ll ensure all the basics are contained. The key is to replace items as they get used. Here are a few key items that you should include:
- Thermometer
- Gauze pads
- Adhesive bandage tape
- Adhesive bandages
- Antibiotic ointment
- Antiseptic wipes
- Latex gloves
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Antihistamines
- Ibuprofen
- Acetaminophen
- Instant cold and heat packs
Improve Safety in the Bathroom
One of the most dangerous rooms in the home for seniors, and anyone for that matter, is the bathroom. Should your parent slip, trip or fall in the bathroom they could easily bump their head on a hard surface, break a bone and so forth. Improving safety in the bathroom should be a multi-pronged approach that involves several measures.
Depending on your parent's level of mobility and the space available in the bathroom, you can install grab bars in the shower and next to the toilet, lay an anti-slip mat in the shower or bathtub, install a hand-held showerhead for ease of use, and declutter the bathroom so there is nothing in the way.
Invest In a Personal Response Device
The final tip is to invest in a personal response device. This is a device they can use in case of emergency and they need help, such as falling and not being able to get up. These devices can be worn on the body (a necklace or on their wrist) and require the touch of a single button. Some devices even detect falls on their own and will automatically call for help.
By using all these tips, you’ll be able to ensure your parent’s home is much safer for them, especially when you aren’t there with them.