If you have an elderly parent or other relative who will be moving in with you to make care easier, you already know a lot goes into that. Ideally, they would get to live on their own in a home modified for their safety, but that is not always the reality. It is your job to make sure their living arrangements are peaceful and comfortable. There are a few ways to make this possible.
Accommodate Their More Limited Mobility
It’s not uncommon for older adults to have trouble with mobility. Whether they aren’t strong enough to move on their own, have a disability, or just move slowly, it’s important to ensure they can still move around your home. You should inventory your home and consider how you have things set up. Replacing doorknobs with levers that are easy to grasp is an easy accommodation.
You may be able to swap out light switches for wider ones that are easier to handle. Even adding bars along the walls in the hallways can make it safer for them to move. If you have multiple stories in your home, you will also want to consider how they will get from one level to the next. It’s common for people considering mobility products to install a stairlift for their elderly relatives. You can look at a guide with more information on why homeowners often choose between a home lift v stairlift to help with your decision.
Ensure Entryways are Safe
Whether it’s coverings or lighting, you will need to reevaluate your entryways so you can make them safer. Ensure the path leading up to the door has no gaps or cracks, which could make it more challenging to move a walker or wheelchair across the path. It should also be as level as possible.
Consider adding outdoor non-slip grips to improve the grip when it’s wet outside. The stairs going up to the door will need good railings or even a ramp, and the entryway itself should be non-slip. If the floor right inside the entryway is a hard floor, you will want to ensure it is not slippery, even if it is wet outside.
Set Up a Nice Bedroom
Elderly adults can benefit from having more sunlight in their lives than younger people, and older adults often have trouble going in and out of the house, so they will likely spend much of their time indoors. You may have other responsibilities, like a job or other family members, so it might be hard for you to help them get in and out during the day. If you have a bedroom that faces the sun, consider moving things around so they can have it.
This ensures they get enough Vitamin D as well. Since they will likely spend much of their time inside, giving them a view can help make the transition easier for them. Perhaps you have a corner bedroom available where they can see the sunrise from one window and get daytime sun from the other. No matter where you put them, the room should be modified to be safer for them. They should also have a bathroom nearby.
