Prepare a home for your ageing parents - Here's how

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If you are considering bringing ageing parents to live with you then read this blog. In this article we offer homeowners top tips on how to prepare a home for your ageing parents. With suggestions on avoiding classic hazards, and introducing safety precautions to high traffic areas. Read on to learn more.

Here’s how to prepare a home for your ageing parents

prepare a home for ageing parents — Looking after parents and our seniors is an important responsibility

If you’re moving an aging parent in with you, it’s important to prepare your home for their arrival. Seniors can face a lot of challenges when it comes to living on their own, but with a little bit of preparation, you can make the transition much easier for everyone involved. In this article, we will discuss some tips for making your home more comfortable and accommodating for elderly loved ones.

Install a stairlift

If your home has more than one level, a stairlift can be a godsend. This simple device can help seniors safely and comfortably navigate stairs, without having to rely on someone else for assistance. There are many different types of stairlifts available on the market, so be sure to do your research to find the best option for your home and your budget. Look up the stairlift cost in the UK or any other place you reside to get started. It’s important to consider the long-term when making this type of purchase, as a stairlift can be a significant investment. However, it’s an investment that will pay off in the form of improved quality of life for your elderly loved one.

Stairs can be quite a challenge for the elderly and infirm

Make some modifications to the bathroom

The bathroom is one of the most dangerous rooms in the home for seniors. Slippery floors, sharp edges, and hard-to-reach items can all pose serious risks. To make the bathroom safer for seniors, consider making some modifications. For example, you might install grab bars in the shower and near the toilet. You might also want to think about adding a raised toilet seat to make it easier for seniors to use the facilities. You can find many of these items at your local home improvement store, or you might be able to purchase them through an online retailer specializing in senior care products.

Prepare meals in advance

As we age, cooking can become more difficult. Arthritic hands may make it hard to grip a pan, vision problems can make it hard to read a recipe, and fatigue can make it hard to stand for long periods of time. If you’re able, preparing meals in advance can be a big help. Make extra servings at dinner so that there are leftovers for lunch the next day. Or, prepare entire meals ahead of time and freeze them for later. There are many cookbooks available with recipes specifically designed for seniors. These recipes take into account the fact that many seniors have difficulty cooking, and they are often easy to prepare.

Consider an adjustable bed

The average person spends about a third of their life in bed, so it’s important to make sure that your elderly loved one has a comfortable place to sleep. An adjustable bed can be a great option for seniors, as it can be customized to meet their specific needs. Adjustable beds can be raised or lowered to make it easier for seniors to get in and out of bed. They can also be tilted to provide support for the back, neck, and legs. Many adjustable beds also come with built-in massagers, which can help alleviate pain and improve circulation.

However comfortable the room you may need an adjustable bed

Install a ramp

If your home has steps leading up to the front door, consider installing a ramp. This will make it much easier for seniors to enter and exit the house, without having to rely on someone else for assistance. If you have a concrete walkway leading up to the front door, you might be able to construct a ramp yourself. However, if your walkway is made of brick or stone, you’ll probably need to hire a professional to install the ramp for you.

Remove obstacles and loose carpets – Trip hazards

Another way to make your home more senior-friendly is to remove any obstacles that could cause a tripping hazard. This includes rugs, cords, and other items that are not securely fastened to the floor. You may also want to rearrange furniture so that seniors have a clear path from one room to the next. If you have any questions about how to make your home more senior-friendly, don’t hesitate to ask your elderly loved one for input. They likely have a good idea of what changes would make the biggest difference in their daily lives. One of the leading causes of injuries among seniors are falls. To help prevent falls in your home, it’s important to remove any common trip hazards. You should also make sure that all stairways are well-lit and have handrails on both sides.

When seniors move into your home there are specific needs you need to accommodate

Lighting is important

Many seniors have vision problems, which can make it difficult to see in low-light conditions. To help your elderly loved one avoid accidents, it’s important to make sure that all areas of the home are well-lit. You might need to install additional light fixtures or higher-wattage light bulbs. You should also make sure that light switches are easily accessible from all areas of the home. One way to do this is to install switch plates that are easy to grip and large enough to be easily seen. Plus, motion-sensor lights can be a great option for seniors, as they will turn on automatically when someone enters the room.

Consider an elevator

If your home has more than one level, an elevator can be a great way to make it more senior-friendly. This will prevent your elderly loved one from having to climb stairs, which can be difficult and dangerous. You should also make sure that the elevator is large enough to accommodate any mobility devices that your loved one uses. It’s also a good idea to install an intercom system in the elevator so that seniors can easily call for help if they need it.

Final thoughts on how to prepare a home for your ageing parents

Making your home more senior-friendly doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. By taking some simple steps, you can help your elderly loved one live a safer and more comfortable life. Consider carefully how to prepare a home for your ageing parents. If you have any questions about how to make your home more senior-friendly, don’t hesitate to ask your elderly loved one for input. And, if you’re not sure where to start, consider hiring a professional home modification company. They will be able to assess your loved one’s needs and make recommendations on how to make your home more senior-friendly.

Prepare a home for your ageing parents – Here’s how