How to Keep Your Elderly Relatives Safe in Their Own Home

Changes that occur in an elderly parent can be a challenging and scary experience. The roles you and your parents have always played are reversed immediately. You become the caregiver, and you aren’t sure what to do. It is normal to feel overwhelmed.

Now, you start wondering whether it is time to consider home care services. However, if you are sure the best place for your parent is home, there are steps you can take to ensure your mom or dad stays independent and remains safe while at it. Below are tips that will help you keep your elderly family safe.

1. Remove Accident Hazards

One of the biggest dangers for older adults living at home is falls. You can have a system to deal with these events; however, prevention is the best thing. Consider the possible ways you can do to prevent your parent from falling. The most straightforward way is removing potential hazards. If your loved one stays in a cluttered house, help them get organized.

Remove any object that could cause tripping out of the way. The common culprits include area rugs and cords that run across hallways. Brighten up dim hallways to prevent falls from happening at night. Lighting is essential, especially for elderly parents who suffer from declining eyesight or are prone to confusion.

2. Keep An Eye On Medication Use

Most older people are admitted to the hospital for medication use. Some find it challenging to take prescribed medicine. Abuse and bad interactions can have scary health effects and cause accidents around the house. The best thing you can do to help your parent is to understand their drug regimen. Speak to a pharmacist, especially if several medications are involved. Some programs remind caregivers when doses are missed, thanks to technology.

3. Install In-home Safety Features

Your parent might need assistance with the daily activities of living. There is always a product out there that can help. You can begin by understanding and learning the source of your loved one’s challenges. A person with severe arthritis or early-stage dementia can have challenges using a stove. The reasons will be different, and so should the solutions. Childproof appliances and locks that automatically shut off can help people with cognitive issues.

Set up home sensors that will alert caregivers of potentially risky behavior. A bit of remodeling can make a massive difference if mobility is the issue. Grabbing bars in the bathroom can help avoid falls. Set up a personal emergency system to help your elderly parent feel safe at home.

4. Check In With Your Parent

You should have regular contact with your parent, especially if you do not live together. Checking in will help you or another caregiver assess your parent’s well-being. They also help reduce loneliness, which is a problem for most seniors. Do not let your parent stay alone for long hours. Ensure you know how often workers check in when you’re away. You can connect face-to-face via video chats when you can’t be there.

5. Accept Help From Friendly Neighbors

It is possible that you do not live next door to your parent. But there are certainly people nearby who might be willing to help. Ask the neighbors to contact you Incase they see your parent out alone. Knowing someone is looking out for them will put your mind at ease. An act of kindness might turn into an invaluable relationship for your loved one.