With over 20 million baby boomers living through their retirement, the odds are that you may have a senior parent that is preparing to move into your home. For many families, bringing a parent into the home is a preferable option to retirement facilities or nursing homes.
Welcoming a parent into your home can be both a stressful and joyful time for the whole family. There will be an adjustment period for everyone that could take some time to work itself out. As an adult child, the roles are about to be reversed, and you will become responsible for the care and safety of your senior parent.
Bringing a parent home will require a bit more planning and effort than just preparing the guest room. You will need to take a critical look at your home to determine if there are any areas that pose a risk to your parent. You may even want to take a CPR class, such as what Newcastle Training offers, before they move in. Here are some ways on how to prepare your home to welcome your parent.
Make Sure To Secure Your Entryways
The entry areas of your home should be secured to prevent any trip-and-fall accidents. These high traffic areas should be inspected for any risks or needed repairs. It’s important that all railings, steps, and thresholds are in proper condition and provide ample support. Ensure that all entryways have enough lighting to prevent any accidents in the dark.
Consider Your Bathroom Safety
More than 65% of all household accidents happen in the bathroom. For this reason alone, it’s necessary to outfit your senior parent’s bathroom with the right safety equipment. A shower stool will help eliminate slip-and-fall accidents in the tub — along with adhesive grip decals for the bottom of the tub. Handrails in the shower and next to the toilet should also be installed for safety reasons.
Look At Your Furniture Arrangement
If your parent has mobility issues, you will want to make it as easy as possible for them to get around your home. Large furniture items or smaller tables should be moved toward the walls — so there are large walkways with no trip hazards along the way. Get rid of clutter so that your parent will have lots of room to move — without having the fear of tripping or breaking something.
Investigate Your Lighting
Your parent may not have the same eyesight, as they once had, by the time that they move in with you. It will be up to you to make sure that they have pathways throughout your home that are well lit. Solar lights mounted along the baseboards, which come on at night, can help your senior parent to find their way in the evening.
Have An Inclusion Plan
Moving into your home will be a big adjustment for your senior parent. Making every effort to welcome them as an active member of your family will go a long way to keeping them safe. Your parent will not want to feel like a burden — so it can be helpful to give them some responsibilities of their own, like walking the dog or watching the kids after school.
Welcoming your senior parent into your home can be a wonderfully rewarding experience. Making sure that your home is safe for their arrival — provides a smooth transition into their new living space — and ensures their comfort for years to come.