How to Keep Your Elderly Parents Safe in Their Own Home
Your elderly parents’ home may not be completely safe, but there are some steps you can take to keep them protected. While you can’t guarantee your parents’ safety, you can take steps to reduce the risk of burglary and theft as well as trips and falls.
Consider installing security screen doors and window guards. If your elderly parents still live alone, you can opt to hire a security monitoring service to keep an eye on them. The peace of mind provided by a monitoring service is well worth the expense.
First of all, your elderly parents may need some extra space to move around. Rearranging their furniture to give them more room to move around can help prevent this. You should move couches closer to walls, and end tables should be placed at the side of the threshold. Additionally, you should install grab bars if they need assistance navigating a staircase or the bathroom. Lastly, make sure the flooring is flat and slip-proof. Avoid area rugs, which can easily trip your elderly parent.
First of all, you should set up a regular check-up for your parents. If possible, designate a family member or friend who can check on them regularly. If you don’t have the time to visit your parents regularly, consider hiring a companion to accompany them. Falling is a serious risk for seniors living in their own homes so they may wish to consider single storey living. Find out more about Park Homes Gloucester at a site like Park Home Life, a provider of Park Homes Gloucester
Make sure your elderly parents’ home is fall-proof. Fall-related injuries are the number one reason for emergency visits to the hospital for elderly people. 90% of hip fractures are the result of fall-related injuries, which usually affect people over the age of 70. Take steps to prevent these accidents by fall-proofing your parents’ home. When possible, install medical alert devices that alert the caregiver if your elderly parent becomes disoriented or loses balance. Lastly, make sure your parents’ shoes are appropriate for their age and ability.
Taking care of your elderly parents can be challenging and tiring. However, it does not have to be. There are many resources available for caregivers – family members, experts, and professionals – and plenty of information on how to keep your parents safe in their own home. If you have no time to help your parents, consider enrolling them in a retirement community with health services and a professional caregiver.