Many of you know that my Mom, Laura, lives with me. It’s an arrangement that works well for our whole family. We are right down the road from my brother’s house, making it easy for Mom to help out with her grandchildren. I wish she had lived with me when my son was younger and still living at home. It’s a big help having Grandma around. Since we write this blog together, it’s so convenient for us to be under the same roof. Blogging can be a 24/7 job at times. Thanks to Premier Care Bathing for sponsoring today’s discussion about aging parents – something that affects all families.
Since Mom retired, I have really been pushing her to travel and see the world. Just last week, I tried so hard to convince her to go with a travel group to Europe for two weeks, and again she resisted. She finally told me that she wants to spend what time she has left with her grandchildren, not traveling the world. How can I argue with that? We’ll have to stick to family vacations.
Family is a priority for Mom, so as she ages I want to be prepared to make whatever changes necessary to our house to keep her living at home with family. She is still very active and in good health for her age. In fact, she is quick to point out that she gets around better than I do. Yet, as I saw with my Grandmother, this can change at anytime.
Mom is really enjoying her golden years, doing things with her grandchildren like trips to the aquarium and craft projects.
My Mom has spent her entire life taking care of her children and grandchildren, now it’s time for us to start thinking about caring for her.
Creating a Safer and More Comfortable Home for Aging Parents
We all care about having a safe and comfortable home. As our parents and grandparents age, there are some simple and inexpensive changes we can make to ensure our aging loved ones stay safe. Here are a few changes I plan to incorporate in my own home, as Mom gets older. They might be helpful for you as well.
1. Move furniture around. Something as simple as moving your furniture around can help prevent falls and accidents. Move things around to ensure there is plenty of wide open space to get around, and cover any sharp corners or edges.
3. Consider purchasing a new bed and/or bed rails. An adjustable bed can be beneficial for seniors, making it easier to get in and out of bed and sleep comfortably.
4. Alerts or call buttons. There are many different products available that your loved one can use to call for help with the press of a button, in case of an emergency.
5. Bathroom safety. Install rails in the bathroom. Consider investing in a walk in tub. Stepping over the side of the tub is dangerous for the elderly. Premier Care in Bathing has walk-in tubs, which are great for aging parents, or anyone with pain, arthritis, stress, or physical disabilities. Visit the Premier Care website to grab a brochure, and learn about their monthly payment options starting as low as $150.
Have you thought about how to make your home more comfortable for your aging parent?
Tanya Coffman says
September 3, 2014 at 2:40 PMI think it’s beautiful that your mother would rather spend time with her family than travel. Love is very apparent in your family. Memories are priceless ~ what you both are doing is a beautiful thing.
Samantha Angell says
September 3, 2014 at 3:07 PMThat is so wonderful that your Mom wants to spend time with family versus traveling. However, as a strong proponent of traveling and seeing the world- I would advise a family vacation! It would be such a great opportunity for you, your mom, and your family- especially now that your son appears to be older and can appreciate it more.
Angela says
September 3, 2014 at 3:36 PMI couldn’t agree with you more! We do lots of family vacations, sadly though a trip to Europe for the whole family isn’t doable right now.
Shambray says
September 3, 2014 at 4:42 PMHow wonderful is your mom?!!! I am think I will be like her too when I am older…want to spend time with family. These tips are all fantastic. Thanks for sharing.
Heather says
September 3, 2014 at 5:16 PMI think its great that you have such a great relationship with your mother and that you enjoy having her with you and your family.
Diana Villa says
September 3, 2014 at 5:23 PMThis is such a sweet post. I love my grandparents so much, thank you so much for the wonderful tips and useful info 🙂
Debi - Travel Blogger says
September 3, 2014 at 6:17 PMThis is a great post. Aging is a terrible thing. It can take away a person’s independence. I love this walk in shower for that reason.
Melinda Dunne says
September 3, 2014 at 6:23 PMI think it is awesome that your mom wants to spend her time with her grandchildren. I do agree with you to set up your home for aging parents. I think the bathroom safety is the most important.
Lavende & Lemonade says
September 3, 2014 at 6:46 PMThose are great tips. We always think about babyproofiing…but everyone with evolving needs can use some rearranging!
Penelope Guzman says
September 3, 2014 at 8:03 PMThat walk in tub is so cool, it looks like a pool! I’d LOVE that!
Margarita Ibbott (@DownshiftingPRO) says
September 3, 2014 at 8:11 PMWhen my father was having problems at home, my parents chose to build a new home, I was adamant about making sure it was senior friendly…
Colleen says
September 3, 2014 at 9:14 PMI think it is great that she wants to spend time with the family. I hope my family will enjoy having me around when the time comes though I admit I would love to do some traveling too.
Michelle F. says
September 3, 2014 at 10:15 PMThat is some great advice. That walk in tub is awesome.
FamiGami says
September 3, 2014 at 10:45 PMI love my parents but if they ever move into my house they’re going to have to adapt. At this point, I can’t change my house to suit the needs of a person who could get better care elsewhere. That’s just personal though.
sohair says
September 3, 2014 at 10:48 PMThis is very nicely done.
Franc Ramon says
September 3, 2014 at 11:37 PMYou really need to secure the household when there are aged people in it. It would reduce accidents for them.
Wanderin Poet says
September 4, 2014 at 12:09 AMA nice safe walk in shower/tub combo can be a great aid for the elderly.
Nicole says
September 4, 2014 at 1:22 AMI have been trying to get my parents to travel more too. With them getting older I also have been trying to get them to downsize, there house is so big with way too many unused rooms, and steps, I would love it if they moved to a one story house, with just maybe a basement. It is just more practical for them.
Roch says
September 4, 2014 at 1:33 AMI think that it’s normal for people to realize that being with family is the best. The home should always be designed with safety whether old people live there or babies.
Tammy says
September 4, 2014 at 2:28 AMMy parents live very far away, so it’s not likely that they will ever come and live with me when they can no longer live on their own. I do have siblings though 😉 And I’m guessing my sister or one of my brothers may care for them when the time comes.
Kelsey Apley says
September 4, 2014 at 8:14 AMIt sounds like your mom is an amazing mother and grandma! It is so nice that she has spent time with you all, and now you are wanting to think of her!
jane says
September 4, 2014 at 8:53 AMalert or call buttons sounds really good to me. i need more security to know my family is safe. its nice travelling too! maybe all of you can travel at the same time
Liz Mays says
September 4, 2014 at 8:57 AMSince my mom fell in the bathroom about a month ago, this post isn’t lost on me at all. Something like this is probably what needs to happen in her house now.
Julie Wood says
September 4, 2014 at 8:57 AMI think it is great to have your Mom living with you and being around to help out and she gets to see her grandkids a lot. How wonderful. My Elderly Dad lives with me, and I know how important it is to make sure to have a safe environment for him as he ages.
Fiftarina says
September 4, 2014 at 10:16 AMThis is a great post. Some times we are too busy with our life so that we easily forgot our aging parents. We should start thinking how to make our house more elderly-friendly too. Like my mom for example, she can’t stand certain dishwashing liquid brand because it’s too harsh for her.
LyndaS says
September 4, 2014 at 10:16 AMThose are great tips. I would love to have a walk-in tub myself, and I would not consider myself a senior just yet.
Tamika Parent Xpress says
September 4, 2014 at 10:57 AMThank you so much for this post. As we get older, we forget that our parent’s are getting older as well. This is bookmark, so I can reference, this when I need it for my parent’s.
celebbabylaundry says
September 4, 2014 at 11:12 AMIt’s always good to make the home they live in more comfortable and easy for them to move around in.
Rebecca Swenor says
September 4, 2014 at 1:40 PMWe tend to forget our parents can do the things as easy as they had before. What awesome things you are doing for your mother. Kudos to you. Thanks for sharing.
courtney b says
September 4, 2014 at 5:23 PMwow sounds like a lot of work!!!! but yes it’s very important we take care of our aging parents…
R U S S says
September 4, 2014 at 9:31 PMBless your heart for being a very good daughter. I would do the same things that you’re doing. My Mom’s not getting younger and I find myself just wanting her to be comfortable and happy with her life right now. I owe her that.
Melissa Smith says
September 5, 2014 at 9:07 AMIt’s so nice that you’re spending all this extra time as a family. I hope to do the same when my mom gets older (she still thinks she’s a spring chicken).
Tammy S says
September 5, 2014 at 11:01 AMThis is a great post. My mother lives with my sister and it is a lot of work but it’s also worth every minute. We have done most of the things on this list and it has made it much easier for our mom. It’s nice that we are in a place were we can take care of our mother’s.
Vanessa says
September 5, 2014 at 8:00 PMBathroom safety is extremely important. My family is taking all of this into consideration with my grandparents.
Theresa @ Faith and Family Reviews says
September 5, 2014 at 9:28 PMThis is great advice! I would love it my mother could live with me when she grows older, but she is a very independent woman 🙂 I know my mil has done all these things and it has made things so much easier for her.
Trish says
September 5, 2014 at 10:35 PMMy parents aren’t quite to that age yet, but I would definitely love to have them come and live with me if/when that time comes. Knowing them though they’ll probably refuse 😉
yan says
September 6, 2014 at 11:31 AMi admire your decision to have your parents stay with you. most of them children will just deposit their parents in a home for the elderly which kinda makes me sad, but is totally acceptable anyway (i have nothing against people who that btw! >XD) oh, and a walk in tub looks like a good idea! >XD
Kath Rivera says
September 7, 2014 at 1:33 AMToday is grandparents day here in our country. We celebrate this special day every year. Your decision of taking care of your parents is great! It’s time to give back what your parents did to you when you were young.
Katie says
September 7, 2014 at 1:39 PMThose are all excellent tips. I work as an occupational therapist with the elderly in their homes and so many people have no idea about any of those. I would LOVE to be able to have all of my patients have a bathtub like that, it would be so much safer, however the price is so far out of reach for the majority of people, unfortunately.
Tamra Phelps says
September 8, 2014 at 5:46 PMIt’s not just aging folks who need this! I am disabled by arthritis at 49, & I’d love to be able to sit in a tub again!
Barrie says
September 8, 2014 at 7:54 PMSince my grandma lived with my mom, this has been a discussion and it’s agreed that mom will live with my hubby and I. We already make sure we have brighter lights in the house when she visits and fans have longer pull chains for her to reach. Last visit, she asked us to add a support near the bathroom and one near the tub wall, which we did.
Susan Smith says
September 8, 2014 at 9:08 PMThose are great tips, I just recently did this for my Mom so she can stay in her home longer.
ellen beck says
September 8, 2014 at 11:32 PMBathroo, adaptations are a huge help that will more than pay off for themselves on the long run. I would also add remove slippery rugs from your home- of there is a walker they are easy too slip or trip on. Its wonderful youre thinking ahead!!
Debbie Bray says
September 9, 2014 at 12:36 AMI believe it is very important to have call bells and alarms for your parents safety
Angela P. says
September 9, 2014 at 8:53 AMThis is a great article. Family is so important. I think it’s wonderful that you are so close with your mother and you are helping take care of her.
Tammy S says
September 9, 2014 at 9:48 AMThese are all really great ideas. I think one of the great things about your parent living with you is they also get a chance to build a great relationship with their grandchildren.
lisa says
September 9, 2014 at 11:28 AMThose are good tips. I’ve noticed as I age, that I sometimes get dizzy on the stairs. It’s kind of frightening. Especially for older people that live alone and may not have family near by.
Miranda McCallister says
September 9, 2014 at 12:57 PMThose bathtubs/showers are so cool. I think having the alerts/call buttons installed is just smart thinking for any person of any age. Accidents happen, nice to have peace of mind when our cell phones are not glued to our ears.
Pam H says
September 9, 2014 at 4:44 PMMy husband was raised by his grandparents, so we treat them like parents. They are definitely at the point where I worry about them handling their daily tasks. His grandfather has fallen a few times. We have moved furniture around and got rid of the throw rugs, as they were tripping hazards. They really need some work done to make the bathroom better adjusted for their needs.
Richard Hicks says
September 9, 2014 at 8:30 PMGood tips for the ageing. I am inthat boat right now and see parents having more problems, but we can help ease life for them.
YVONNE WOODSTOCK says
September 9, 2014 at 10:41 PMAwww it’s so sweet and special that your mom lives with you. My husband and I are empty nesters now and have 5 young adult kids ages 19-27 on their own we are very close knit with. Also Todd’s mom sadly has passed away but his dad is alive and lives nearby so we get to visit him .. he is still living independently in his own home but Todd’s sister and us pitch in to also pay for him to have a housekeeper to keep his housework done for him because he has COPD and that is just too difficult for him to do. We like to take him out to eat too.
My parents live 5 hrs away from us and I talk to them weekly on phone and they are still doing well living independently in their own home on the lake. Todd and I live in a tiny 495 sq ft 1 bedroom apt …. if GOD FORBID my soulmate/bff love of my life husband were to die before me .. “IF” one of my kids wanted me to live with them, I would, but if they preferred to live on their own .. that would not hurt my feelings and I would totally understand and respect that equally.
Tammy Schweitzer says
September 9, 2014 at 11:59 PMI have too say this is a great tub for my Mom too use with her bad back & knees love too get for her someday soon thanks for sharing this
Jana Williams says
September 10, 2014 at 6:26 PMI Hope you are Having a Wonderful Wednesday! My Parent have Always Been thee for Me & I Will Always be there for them! They have taken Care of me My Whole Life S the Least I Could Do is Return the Favor! I am 33 Years Old & I Had to Move Back in with My Parents b/c I Was in a Motorcycle Wreck and I Can Not Work at the Moment! They have Always Helped me When I Was in Need & I Will do No Less than That For Them! Thanks & Have a Blessed Day! Jana
Lisa Taylor says
September 11, 2014 at 11:42 AMI think the walk in tubs are a beautiful idea, I love my baths!
Crystal says
September 11, 2014 at 5:35 PMI’m not ready for my parents to get older. I’m still so dependent on them! But I know that at some point I’ll need to start helping them to make adjustments.
Rita Spratlen says
September 12, 2014 at 12:01 AMYou have a wonderful Mom and it is great everyone gets along so well. I think we should have our family members stay with us instead of homes etc. The extended family member values are important for sure. I think she loves you more than going places which is neat. Thanks for sharing. I did click on the link with the bathtub too.
Jill Myrick says
September 13, 2014 at 2:19 PMMy parents at 72 and 74 are still very independent but are beginning to slow down. We have recently been looking at nearby homes to move them closer to me or I am very open to having them move into our home so that I can be there for them and take care of whatever they might need.
jweezie43[pat]gmail[dot]com
heather says
September 13, 2014 at 11:37 PMTo be honest… I want a shower like this for my parents and for myself too. The bathroom is super dangerous for all ages and I think it is super important to install all the safety measures that you can. I have fallen in the shower before. Thanks for sharing this post it is super important.
Kathy says
September 14, 2014 at 2:52 PMI love what your mom said about spending time with her grand kids. I bet everyone loves having her around.
MonaG says
September 14, 2014 at 3:21 PMYour family is so lucky that everyone is so close by. Unfortunately, that’s not the case for my family. All of hubby’s family is in India. Hubby, our daughter, and I live in Florida. My parents live in Wisconsin and my brother, SIL, and niece in PA.
Hubby and I lived in WI for 12 years before we moved to FL. The proximity and emotional support was priceless.
Allyson Bossie says
September 14, 2014 at 7:35 PMThis is something we are going to have to think of before it’s over with. One set of parents are 12 hours away and the other are 3 hours away. Either way, we are the kiddos who will be taking care of the parents, so something to really think on
Sarah L says
September 14, 2014 at 9:10 PMWith my bad knees, I’d love a walk in tub.
Lesley F says
September 15, 2014 at 1:30 PMWe ended up doing a lot of these tips for my husband’s grandmother and made her life much easier
Donna says
September 20, 2014 at 11:12 PMMy mom would never move in with us because she would never leave KY… we are in TN. But we are all aging and thinking about it for our own convenience is a smart thing. 🙂
Marcie W. says
September 24, 2014 at 4:40 PMMy parents are not at this point of their lives yet, but I do notice them aging. They are becoming a bit more forgetful and my mom recently got diagnosed with osteoporosis, so I need to keep these things in mind for the future.