Most people are familiar with the concept of
childproofing a home when a new baby arrives. But what about bringing your
aging parents in to live with you when independent living is no longer an
option? There are several steps you can take to “elder-proof” your home and
ensure a safe and comfortable environment for your parents in their later
years. And when a parent, who is facing an advanced illness is living with you,
home safety takes on a new level of importance.
A primary safety concern with the elderly is
the prevention of falls. Falls are the leading cause of injury or even death
among the elderly. This four part series will focus on ways to safeguard your
home against potential falls.
General Tips For Preventing Falls
- Remove all tripping hazards such as books,
shoes, toys, electrical cords, etc., from the floors.
- Remove all throw rugs.
- Remove furniture from high-traffic areas if
possible, and pad any sharp edges with plastic bumpers.
- Remove the casters to stabilize movable
furniture items.
- Remove unstable tables and stools to avoid
tipping, and put fragile or breakable items away.
- If your parent uses a cane, you may also
wish to attach a loose wrist loop to the handle. This will prevent your parent
from having to bend down to retrieve a dropped cane.
- Polish linoleum and wood flooring using
only non-slip floor wax.
- Textured strips can also be placed on
linoleum to provide better grip, and all spills should be cleaned up immediately.
- Add grab bars or handrails along staircases
and hallways to help prevent falls, and grab bars next to closet doors to
support your parent while dressing.
- Place colored, non-slip strips along areas
where floor levels change, such as stairs and doorway thresholds, to help
clearly identify where your parent will need to step up or down and prevent
stumbles.
- Make sure the bed and chairs are easy to
get in and out of, and that chairs have solid and supportive arms and backs.
- Keep frequently used items such as glasses,
water, phone, tissue, remote control, etc by bed or chair.
- If your loved one feels dizzy or light-headed
after standing remind them to sit down or stay seated until their head clears
or; call for assistance if available. Have
them stand up slowly after eating, lying down or resting to avoid unsteadiness.
Understand that as your loved one begins to loose their independence
it is important to try and understand their desire for independence while still
ensuring they are safe. Including them on decisions, asking their opinion,
concerns will help. Remember, this is not an easy time for them and though your ultimate
goal is their safety, bringing them into the decision process will go a long
way to make them regain a sense of control.
These few simple steps can make a big
difference in providing a safe environment for your loved one.