How to Help An Ageing Parent Stay Independent at Home
Everybody wants their parents to be happy, but they also have an equally strong desire for them to be safe, too. As the parent gets older, those two things can come into conflict. The parent wishes to stay in their property rather than move to a care home, but the adult child is concerned that independent living is becoming increasingly risky as the parent begins to slow down.
The good news is that, even with just a few minor adjustments, it is possible for ageing parents to stay in their homes while also giving adult children peace of mind that they’re safe.
Home Safety Modifications
There’s an increased fall risk as people age, which is the leading cause of hospitalisation in adults aged 65 and over.
A few home safety modifications can significantly reduce the fall risk, and they can do so quickly. Installing grab bars in the bathroom (particularly in the bath/shower and toilet) and improving lighting can have a big impact. If you’re not sure what changes are required in your parent’s home, then consider scheduling an appointment with an occupational therapist. They’ll be able to perform an assessment and make suggestions for making the property as safe as possible.
Look at Mobility Aids
Mobility becomes increasingly challenging as people age, which can make performing even simple tasks — such as moving around the house or walking to the shop to get supplies — difficult to manage. Mobility aids are designed to make it easier for older people with mobility issues to move around, significantly increasing the distance they can travel while also minimising fall risk. There is a wide range of mobility aid products available, including walking frames and scooters. As such, it’s important to work with an experienced company so that your parents can get the aid that’s right for their needs.
Hire a Carer
Hiring a part-time carer can be an excellent way for an ageing parent to remain independent while also providing peace of mind that they’re receiving expert care and support. You can hire carers for as little as a few hours a week, during which they can assist with a wide range of tasks, including assisting with grooming and providing transport to medical appointments. This solution also provides recurring human contact, which can go a long way towards combating loneliness, which is an increasingly common issue affecting older adults.
Consider a Personal Alarm
A personal alarm can offer both adult children and their parents peace of mind that they have a layer of safety and security while at home. There is a wide range of personal alarm products on the market with different features. Some have automatic fall detection features that can alert family members and health services in the event that the parent experiences a fall.
The above tips can go a long way towards ensuring your ageing parent stays both independent and safe while at home. Start with one or two of the tips, and then adjust based on your parent’s needs.
This is a collaborative post.
