A Few Tips For Caring for Elderly Parents At Home

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As a busy mom, you might suffer from sleep deprivation, as many of us are. However, if you are caring for elderly parents, it is important that you are alert at all times. This can be HARD!

You want to ensure they don't run the bath water too hot or fall and always get help when needed. In these challenging situations, it might be time to rethink your home’s design and ensure that both the young and the old are safe, so you can relax a bit more.

Plug Sockets

You can get plug protectors to help you avoid accidents with kids and older individuals. Without supervision, limit their access to high-risk electrical devices that can cause accidents, such as irons and portable heaters.

We once found out that my grandfather was drying wet clothes on top of the small heater that he uses in the bathroom. It was a fire waiting to happen!

Installing safety rails in your house can help elderly family members get around without assistance

You can install permanent or temporary safety rails in your house to help your elderly family members get around your home without help. Get one in the hallway and the entrance of the house.

Safety rails play an important role in fall prevention and can encourage independence. You will have more time to prepare meals or clean the house if you know that your family members can safely walk around the house on their own. Having a cane or walker doesn't hurt either.

Bathroom Mobility Aids

If your older family member occasionally stays overnight or lives with you, you must ensure they are safe in the bathroom. You don’t want to always supervise them and invade their privacy.

Get bath and shower safety rails installed, and have a shower chair handy as well. Check on them regularly through the door, and install an alarm just in case.

Make Them Feel Comfortable

Don’t allow the kids to nag or jump on them all the time. This way, they can enjoy some free time, read, or watch their favorite TV program, or take a nap. You don’t want to make them feel like they are in your way all the time and discourage them from coming out of their room.

If you are caring for elderly parents in your home, you need to get alert buttons installed around the house

You might be busy cooking or putting the kids to bed when they need help. An alert button can help you react to the situation immediately.

Currently, we are trying out an iWatch App. I hope it works for this purpose!

When caring for elderly parents in your home and kids simultaneously, you must consider everyone’s safety and comfort. Even your own, and what will make this transition easier for you as well.