Is it still safe for my elderly parents to live at home?

They say there is no place like home. And for most of us, that is true. But is it still safe for our elderly parents to live at home? According to the National Council on Aging, more than 90% of seniors want to stay in their homes as they age. That is a wonderful goal, but it is important to make sure that your loved ones are safe and comfortable in their own homes.

How to make your home safe for elderly parents:

1. Install safety bars and place a nonslip rug in the shower and bathroom.

It is important to make sure that your parents' homes are safe and accessible. One way to do this is to install safety bars in the shower and bathroom. This will provide them with support when they are getting in and out of the shower and will help prevent falls. Additionally, you may want to consider installing grab bars near the toilet and in other areas where they might need support. Another helpful safety measure is to install railings on all stairways. This will give your parents something to hold onto as they are walking up and down stairs, which will help prevent accidents. By taking these simple steps, you can help make your parents' home a safe and comfortable place for them to live.

2. Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on each level of your home.

Home safety is important for people of all ages, but it is especially vital for seniors. Unfortunately, as we age, we become more susceptible to fires and gas leaks. That is why it is important to install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on each level of your home. Smoke and carbon monoxide are both invisible and odorless, so these detectors can give your elderly parents an early warning if there is a fire or gas leak. In addition, it is a good idea to test the detectors regularly to ensure that they are working properly. By taking these simple steps, you can help keep your elderly parents safe from harm.

3. Create a list of emergency contacts that your parents can call if they need help.

One way to do this is to create an emergency contact list that they can call if they need help. This can include family members, friends, neighbors, and even local organizations that help the elderly. Additionally, it is important to make sure that your parents have access to a phone so they can easily call for help if they need it. You may also want to consider installing a medical alert system in their home so they can easily call for help in an emergency. By taking these steps, you can help ensure that your parents are safe and prepared in case of an emergency.

4. Regularly check in on your parents to make sure they are doing well.

As our parents age, it is important to stay in touch with them and check in on their health and wellbeing regularly. This can be done in person, by phone, or even by video chat. If you notice any changes, such as weight loss or gain, moodiness, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, changes in appetite, etc., be sure to follow up with your doctor. By checking in regularly, we can help make sure our parents are getting the care they need. Changes in health can happen quickly and unexpectedly, so it is important to keep a close eye on them. In some cases, illnesses can be easily treated if caught early. Therefore, regular check-ins are essential for keeping our parents healthy and happy.

Signs that your elderly parents should be moved into a care facility

It is natural for us to start worrying about our parents' wellbeing. We want to make sure they are safe, healthy, and happy. One of the questions we might start asking ourselves is whether they should be moved into a care facility.

Here are a few signs that can help us answer this question:

If our parents are no longer able to take care of themselves, it might be time to consider a care facility. This includes activities like cooking, cleaning, bathing, and getting dressed. If they are struggling with any of these activities, it could be a sign that they would benefit from being in a place where there is more help available.

Another sign that our parents might need to move into a care facility is if they are starting to suffer from memory loss or confusion. This can be a normal part of aging, but it can also be a sign of Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia. If our parents are having difficulty remembering things or keeping track of their surroundings, it might be time to look into long-term care options.

We always want what is best for our parents, and sometimes that means making the decision to move them into a care facility. If we see any of these signs, it might be time to start considering this option.

Whether you are interested in Private Pay, Long-term care insurance, worker compensation, or other private insurances, there is always an agency near to assist you with home care for your parent or loved one. You may just want to find out about private pay home care rates. Our resource also is here to assist independent contractors that provide caregiver jobs. Additionally, there is information and resources for everyone even if you are looking for private caregivers nearby. Our services include 24-hour care for the elderly in their own home. Check us out and share our helpful tips with any families looking for private caregivers or simply that may need a break now and then.

Thank you for reading. Keep posted to our blogs and share this blog with your family and friends who are also in need of information about elderly care. Elderly home safety is important, so please continue to be vigilant about ensuring their safety. If you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us for assistance. We would be happy to help!