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As your parents age, you may notice the role reversal begin. You, the child, unexpectedly becomes the caregiver. The fact is that there are many seniors that still desire to live in their own home despite their age. They want to maintain their sense of independence and stay active. While this may cause some concern for their well-being, there are a number of modern tools and equipment you can purchase to ensure their safety.
A great way to determine if your parent may need help (like a caregiver or nurse) is to evaluate their habits, appearance, and overall status of their home. If you notice problems, you may need to talk about other solutions than them living alone.
However, before this happens, your parents may be fine living independently with a little bit of help. Here are some things that can offer safety and ensure their health while giving you peace of mind.
In Home Monitoring Systems For Aging Parents
If your parent, or other aging loved one insists on living at home, you can install an in-home monitoring system. This will help ensure that if a fall or accident does occur they can reach someone for help. It is estimated that every one in three individuals over the age of 65 will experience some type of fall. This can lead to a series of other more serious problems like long-term hospitalization, serious complications, or even death.
When you install a monitoring system, your loved one will receive a necklace or bracelet that with the press of a button will contact someone for help in case of a fall or accident. This means that no matter how far away you live, you can have confidence that your parent can get help if they need it.
Bathroom Safety Devices For Aging Parents
The bathroom can be a very dangerous place for seniors. The floors tend to be slippery anyway. Add in water from the tub or showers and you have a real hazard on your hands. Installing safety hand rails and having benches in the shower can really help. If you have the budget installing a walk-in shower can significantly reduce the number of accidents. Leaping over tall bathtub enclosures isn’t really senior friendly. Another option is installing a safety bath.
Automatic Lock Pill Dispenser for Aging Parents
Most seniors take multiple prescriptions on a daily basis. With so many pills it is easy for them to become confused about what to take and when. They may not remember taking the specific medication and then overdose on the medication. No one wants that. With the automatic lock pill dispenser, you can fill it with the correct pills. Once appropriate amount of time has passed the pills will be released. How cool is that!?
What tools have you found help take care of your aging family members?
Krystle Cook – the creator of Home Jobs by MOM – put her psychology degree on a shelf and dived into a pile of diapers and dishes instead. She is a wife and mother to two rambunctious boys, sweating it out in her Texas hometown. She loves cooking, DIY home projects, and family fun activities.
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