Keeping Our Elderly Loved Ones Safe At Home With Us

When we think of our parents, we think of a time when we were young and fragile. We think of a time when they took care of us, provided for us, and nurtured us. As our parents age, we see the distinct changes that are normally associated with being elderly. As they get older, we feel the importance of keeping them at home with us to take care of them. Here are a few ways to keep our homes safe and convenient for our elderly loved ones.

Stairs

Arthritis is a common ailment experienced by the elderly. From hip pain to knee pain, walking or even using the stairs can be challenging for them. Consider taking steps to prevent accidents by installing an EasyClimber. As we watch them struggle going up and down the stairs, we feel it necessary to assist them. By installing a device that can help them get up the stairs, you will give them their freedom of mobility back. Many elderly do not want to feel as if they are a burden to those who are helping them. They want to still feel independent and we want the same for them, but the truth is we still want to make sure we are properly taking care of them by trying to prevent accidents.

Kitchen

The kitchen is where the most comforting memories are born. We remember a time when our parents made us hot chocolate on a cold winter’s day. We remember when our parents made us our favorite cupcakes for our birthday. As they get older, we want to make sure the flooring on our kitchen is safe for them to walk on. We want to make sure that the kitchen floor is free from any spills or objects that they may trip on. Installing a type of floor mat that prevents slips and falls is recommended, especially near the stove and sink areas. We want
our parents to still enjoy cooking for the family and themselves. Adding some handrails around strategic parts of the kitchen is also helpful for them.

Bedroom

A bedroom is a private place for our parents to recuperate from the day’s activities. We would want to prepare their room with their medications and water near their bed on the nightstand. This is for their convenience. Many senior citizens will have a medication schedule. By having it at arm’s reach, we will help prevent any unnecessary falls or accidents. It is also recommended to keep any important medical supplies nearby as well. Diabetes is also a common ailment among the elderly. For those who are familiar with the disease, the common routine is to regularly check blood sugar levels. Keep the area where they will check their glucose levels well-lit. We don’t want them to have a difficult time reading their results when using the machine.

Bathroom

One of the most likely rooms for accidents to occur is in the bathroom. Most bathrooms are not “senior-friendly.” As such, installing handrails is also recommended in this room. Floors in bathrooms tend to get wet after a shower or bath, leaving our parents at risk for an accident to happen. Installing anti-slip mats in the bathroom will aid in preventing life-threatening injuries from slips and falls. Providing anti-skid slippers made specifically for use in the bathroom can also be convenient and beneficial for our elderly parents to use.

Outdoors

So our parents love everything that has to do with the yard or garden at home. They love to maintain the landscape and enjoy the backyard during the warm season. Keeping our outdoor area free of clutter around our home is essential in preventing unforeseen accidents, especially among our elderly parents. We want to provide an oasis for them, but at the same time, safety is a priority. While they love to do the gardening, it is best to also store tools in a well-lit shed. Organize and store tools at a height that is convenient and safe for them to retrieve them.

These are only a few ways that can help our aging parents around our home. As they grow older, they will be more dependent on us to help them with their day to day needs. Even if they do need our help, it is important to help them maintain their independence but to also seek professional medical advice when needed.