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 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.
That is some great advice. That walk in tub is awesome.
I 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.
This is very nicely done.
You really need to secure the household when there are aged people in it. It would reduce accidents for them.
A nice safe walk in shower/tub combo can be a great aid for the elderly.
I 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.
I 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.
My 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.
It 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!