8 Tips To Make an Adult Parent Safer at Home
There comes a time when you may have to make the difficult decision between an adult parent staying at home or moving to a nursing home. If your parent isn’t yet ready to move into an assisted living or nursing home environment, making a few changes to their current home may allow them to stay there longer. We have compiled a list of tips to help make an adult parent safer at home.
Move the Master Bedroom to the Main Floor
Stairs can be especially dangerous for older adults. If the master bedroom is up or down a flight of stairs, moving them to a main-floor bedroom may be worth it. This may require making minor renovations to the main floor bedroom to ensure it can accommodate their belongings or mobility device. If possible, try to choose a bedroom attached to or near the bathroom to prevent them from having to frequently use stairs.
Brush Up on Safety Skills
Now is also a good time to brush up on any safety certifications or emergency response skills. First aid certification can provide you or your family with the skills you need to help your parent in an emergency. CPR certification can also be helpful for keeping your loved one’s blood flowing while you wait for first responders to arrive. ProTrainings makes it easy tor renew CPR your certification online.
Install Safety Notifications
It’s a good idea to set up any alert or notification systems that may help your senior parent call for help. For example, if they were to fall in the bathroom, they might not be able to get to a phone. An emergency alert necklace is a great product that they can carry with them throughout each room in the house.
Another option is placing Amazon Alexa dots in each room and teaching your parent how to use them to call for help. Some families may even feel comfortable installing Ring cameras inside the home. These cameras allow you or any other approved party to drop in and check on your loved one. Other modern technologies can also improve safety, including fall detection objects.
Make Stairs Safer
If ascending or descending stairs are a must, add stair rails. Reinforce any existing handrails to ensure they won’t fall. Add non-slip carpet toppers to wood or linoleum floors to prevent slips. This is also a good time to check your parent’s shoes and slippers. Throw out any shoes that don’t have non-slip backings on them to keep them safe in and out of the house. If they’re unable to go up and down the stairs, investing in a lift may allow them to maintain some independence and reach upper-level floors.
Install Ramps
Ramps on the front and back doors allow seniors in wheelchairs or with walkers to get in and outdoors. Ensure the ramps are at an appropriate incline and decline to prevent slipping and falling. Install a few handrails so they have something to grab onto to help them move up and down the ramp.
Declutter Rooms
Clutter, including loose objects or tightly compacted furniture, can make it difficult for seniors with mobility devices to get around. This is a good time to go through the house and remove any unnecessary items. Choose smaller furniture that doesn’t take up too much space. Try to avoid placing furniture in odd corners or hallways where it may limit safe mobility for your parent.
Prioritize Bathroom Safety
Up to 80% of senior falls occur in the bathroom. This is because the bathroom is slippery and tightly compacted, making it difficult for seniors to get around. One of the first rooms to focus on is the bathroom. Add grab bars in the shower and bathtub. Consider replacing a deep bathtub with a walk-in shower. Invest in good non-slip shower pads and rugs. Fold-down seats in the shower can also be helpful for seniors with mobility difficulties. Finally, swap out existing light bulbs for ones with increased brightness for improved visibility.
Update Flooring
Fall prevention is key for senior safety. Evaluate each floor in your home and make plans to upgrade any that may be unsafe. Replace high-pile cushioned carpets with low-pile or flat floors. Check slip ratings on hardwood or tile flooring materials before installing them in common areas, like bedrooms or the kitchen.
Help your loved one stay independent and comfortable at home longer with these safety tips. Modern technology and a few safety certifications can help you and your family keep a loved one safe in their home.
