Your home is your haven. With a few easy fixes, it can be a safe, comfortable space for your parents, too. No matter their age and the health, accessibility or lifestyle issues they face, you have the power to ensure they’re well cared for under your roof.
Keep reading for seven solutions to common household problems for seniors.
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Get Smart About your Front Door
Remembering your house keys on a good day is a win in our book. But when you’re feeling foggy or frazzled, getting out the door with a way to get back in is another thing entirely. Thanks to technology, though, you have one less thing to worry about—and so do your elderly parents. Smart locks are easy to put into just about any entrance point in your home. They allow keyless entry you can activate with codes or smartphone apps. That way, your parents can let themselves in no matter what, or you can do so remotely if necessary. It’s also more difficult for intruders and thieves to break into the home; however, you should have decent living room or dining room blinds, whichever is in the front, so they can’t see when no one is home.
PLUS, if forgetfulness is a common problem your parent faces, try slipping a Bluetooth smart tracker in their wallet or purse so that you can easily retrieve lost items. You can find credit card-sized devices that fit into a billfold as well as dongles that can be secured to links or chains.
Rethink your Window Coverings
A task as mundane as opening the blinds in the morning and closing them come nightfall can become difficult when your fingers aren’t as nimble as they used to be. For senior parents, it might be a challenge to hold, pull and twist blind cords and cables. Give them more autonomy over this simple chore by swapping your window coverings out for cordless blinds or remote-operated options that are easy to operate. They are an inexpensive solution and easy to install on your own, especially after a little how to install blinds research.
PLUS, consider swapping out their ceiling fan with a remote-controlled one. Alternatively, you could have an electrician put the existing ceiling fan on a switch that allows you to turn it on and off and control the speed of the fan blades.
Move Hazardous Chemicals
Accidental poisonings are unfortunately becoming increasingly common, and poor eyesight can be a contributing factor. If you tend to store toxic items alongside frequently used (and completely safe) household products, try to put more distance between the two. You could store them in different places, perhaps taking items out from under sinks and inside medicine cabinets and relocating them to closets or garages.
PLUS, if you’re worried about your parents overdosing on medication, ask your pharmacist to print out large-print labels. Most will be happy to help. Medication charts that your parents can cross off can also help prevent accidental poisonings.
Make Everyday Necessities Easier to Reach
You probably don’t think twice about tossing spare blankets and pillows on the top shelf of your bedroom closet. But with senior parents joining you for days, weeks, months or even years, it’s time to rethink where you store the basics that will help keep your guests comfortable in your home. To avoid having your parents risking a fall from a step stool or ladder, put these items within easy reach.
PLUS, avoid having your parents bend or squat down, too. To keep them from straining muscles or overexerting themselves, keep storage boxes small and light, and don’t pile too much stuff on top of something essential, like a spare quilt.
Winterize your Outdoor Areas
No matter if you’re facing a lingering winter or a soggy wet season, the months ahead have plenty of weather challenges in store. While you might be able to navigate icy steps and slick paths, older visitors could struggle. Avoid slips, falls and broken bones by winterizing stairs, porches, patios, decks and walkways before bad weather strikes. Pay particular attention to areas that aren’t well-lit, aren’t served by a railing or don’t see much natural sunlight during the day.
PLUS, consider adding additional lighting to paths. Solar lights are inexpensive investments that you can install yourself. Pop a few in the ground to give seniors with poor night vision a little extra help to the front or back door.
Secure Runners and Area Rugs
It’s easy enough to trip over your own two feet. You don’t need to add an unruly rug to the situation! Many falls are completely preventable. To keep your parent safe, place rug pads beneath hallway runners and smaller area rugs that tend to slip and slide on hardwood or tile floors. If you have a rug with corners that turn up or under, creating a tripping hazard, look for specialty products designed to attach carpets to floors without causing damage to the underlying surface.
PLUS, standing for long periods of time is painful for seniors with aching joints and feet. You can purchase durable, cushioned mats to help ease these pains for adults who enjoy activities that require lots of standing, like cooking and baking. A slip-resistant bathmat and a shower chair will also help prevent falls while showering. Shower chairs allow you to shower independently and comfortably without the fear of falling.
Turn Down the Temperature on your Water Heater
Your hot water might not seem that toasty to your scald-proof fingertips, but seniors have more delicate skin that’s prone to hot water burns. To avoid burns, take a peek at the temperature dial on your water heater. Many are set at 140 to 160 degrees by the manufacturer! Turn it down to 120 degrees. You won’t notice the difference and could prevent a nasty accident.
PLUS, ensure shower safety by adding a little more peace of mind to your guest room bath. Install handrails in and out of the shower stall or tub and place a grippy rubber or silicone mat on the floor.
Whether your parents are in town for major holidays or they’re moving in full-time, you want to ensure they’re happy and healthy. No matter what they struggle with as they grow older, from arthritis in their hands to precarious balance to poor hearing, there’s always something you can do to improve the quality of life for your loved ones. These seven tips (and little bonuses) are the perfect place to start.
