For many seniors, getting through the day safely is a constant struggle. Very few people would ever admit this on their own, and that’s why as a family member, it is partially your responsible to make sure that they are safe. There are many things that can be done to help improve safety, and introducing them before they are needed will be a decent preventative measure. Some things will be appreciated even if there is no disability or difficulty getting around the house. Other things you will not need to introduce until much later.
One thing that will help your elderly parent immediately, even if they are perfectly healthy, is the installation of safety items in the bathroom. Many accidents occur here, and acting before they happen is always smart. For example, having a few safety bars in the shower to help them get in and out without tripping or stumbling is a great way to ease the difficulty of transitions. A raised toilet seat can also help, especially if you notice that they are starting to have trouble getting in and out of chairs. The toilet is typically a little lower than the average armchair, so difficulty in one chair will mean even more difficulty getting up off of the toilet. Again, you need to be paying attention to your loved one as they get older so that you can be a step ahead in caring for their needs as much as possible.
Other devices, like railings in walkways and hallways, no slip shoes, a walker or wheelchair, or a shower chair can also all be helpful. These things don’t need to be used before they are necessary, but they can be helpful in certain situations. Try to stay a step ahead, as mentioned before. If you have questions, being more cautious is always better than not being cautious enough. Consult with a pro if you need to, as well.
Really, the best thing that you can do to help your elderly parent is to spend time with them. If you are unable to be with all the time though, such as most people are, then having a professional in-home caregiver to assist while you are not there is just as effective. In fact, many people will find that this is more helpful because it provides them with a break, both mentally and physically. This is an important part of ensuring that your loved one is always receiving the best care that they can be given. All the safety devices and preventative measures that you take are worthless if there isn’t someone there keeping an eye on things. Many seniors will be completely fine if left by themselves for a few hours here and there, but not all. You need to know what your loved one is capable of on their own realistically and safely, and then base your decisions on whether in-home care is needed for them from that information. And as always, if you have questions about anything, be sure to consult with a professional caregiver service or a doctor before you finalize any decisions.
Leave a Reply