5 Ways You Can Make Life Easier for Your Elderly Parents

May 16, 2013

Ross Castors

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Your parents are growing older, and you’ve already had to sit down with them for the “talk.” They tell you they couldn’t stand to lose their independence, and want to stay at home for as long as they possibly can. This is understandable, and it’s what you want for them as well. However, they aren’t as young as they once were; they often forget things and aren’t as strong anymore.

If you are worried about your elderly parents and want to do as much as possible to help them maintain their independence while providing the help they need to live in a healthy, safe environment, you aren’t alone. Many children face this concern every day, but there are steps you can take to make your parents’ living situation a bit better.

Helping Elderly Parents Live at Home Longer

Personal Emergency Response Systems- In this age of technology, staying at home is much easier for the elderly, thanks to personal emergency response systems. These systems involve a bracelet or necklace with a button; if an elderly individual falls down, is seriously ill, or is injury, they can simply push this button and alert an operator, who will then contact emergency services if needed. Some systems are even so advanced that they can detect when an individual falls down, even if they are too hurt to push a button. Make sure your parents have one of these systems, especially if they are in the home by themselves for much of the day.

Instal Ramps- Many elderly individuals have a difficult time navigating stairs, especially if they need the assistance of a walker, cane, or wheelchair. Make getting into their home easier for them by installing a ramp. This will not only help to prevent falls, but also depression, as it allows your parents to go outside of their home much more easily.

Use Castors- Casters are wheel-like devices that can be placed on almost any type of furniture. They are especially useful for the elderly, who may not have the strength to move an object or even pull a chair out from the dining room table. Casters allow for easier motion, and these caster wheels allow the elderly to maintain more of their independence because they will no longer have to rely on you to move an object in their way.

Grab Rails- Falls in the bathroom are extremely common for elderly individuals and can be very dangerous. Instal grab rails in the shower, bathtub, and next to the toilet. These rails will not only help keep them steady and prevent slips, but also help them pull themselves up from low positions.

Rely on Alarms- While every home should have smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms, the elderly can often benefit from specialised alarms in daily living. There are alarms available now that will alert your parents if they leave a pot on the stove for too long unattended and even alarms that can let them know when they need to take their medications (and alert you or their home care nurse if they fail to do so.)

If you want your parents to spend as much time at home as possible, invest in a few ways to make their life easier. Items like alarms, caster wheels, and personal emergency response systems can put your mind at ease and help them maintain their independence.