Did you know that, at 114 years of age, Thelma Sutcliffe is the oldest person in America? If your parents or other loved ones are also getting up there in age, then you’ll know how important it is to make sure they’re comfortable. It’s not always necessary to send your elderly loves ones off to a retirement home. Are you wondering how they can remain in a place where they have fond memories? Keep reading to learn all about 5 tips to help keep them aging in place.
1. Hire a Professional If you’re wondering how to keep aging parents in their homes, then you should start looking into hiring a professional. This is someone who is trained in elderly care and can visit your parents regularly or even stay with them. You’ll have to talk with your loved ones and figure out how much care is needed. Over time, you can increase the amount of care they receive instead of opting for a retirement facility.
2. Secure the Bathroom Did you know that around 235,000 people are injured in their bathrooms every year? Slips can be fatal, which is why it’s crucial to make sure the bathroom goes from being one of the most dangerous places in the house to one of the safest. For instance, non-slip shower mats are essential for independent living. You should also install handles that help with balance while standing in the shower and while entering and exiting it.
3. Maintain Communication While aging parents may not know how to use an iPhone, you can employ technology that’s tailor-made for the elderly. For instance, phones with only a few big buttons that are limited to essential functions. If your loved ones are prone to falling, then they should wear an emergency call button around their neck in case they need immediate medical attention.
4. Make Everything Accessible If you want to keep parents in their homes, then you must make sure they can access all parts of the house. Staircases can prove especially challenging. There may come a time when they aren’t able to climb the stairs safely. In that case, you’ll need to install a stairlift.
5. Help Them Prepare for Emergencies Whether your parents are living in a hurricane-prone area or an earthquake-prone one, you should always be there to help. Elderly living can be difficult enough without having to board up windows, heft sandbags, buy supplies, and other safety measures. Whenever a natural disaster is being reported, a care professional should ensure that everything is prepared. Aging in Place Is Possible Now that you’ve learned all about 5 tips to help keep your loved ones aging in place, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that they’re happy and comfortable.
Change can be hard, but if you have the right partners, you can find the right solution. Should keeping your loved ones in their home not be an option, there are placement services available to help you make the right decisions. With our highly-rated services, we can help you find reliable professionals who can help your loved ones right in the comfort of their own homes. Simply put, we are dedicated to making sure all of America’s elderly are cared for.