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?
I 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.
That 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.
I 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.
How 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.
I think its great that you have such a great relationship with your mother and that you enjoy having her with you and your family.
This is such a sweet post. I love my grandparents so much, thank you so much for the wonderful tips and useful info 🙂
This 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.
I 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.
Those are great tips. We always think about babyproofiing…but everyone with evolving needs can use some rearranging!
That walk in tub is so cool, it looks like a pool! I’d LOVE that!
When 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…