If your parent or other elderly relative is entering their golden chapter, and you have space for them, inviting them to live with you can be nice. That’s not to say you’re obligated or always capable of offering such a gesture, but if you decide this is appropriate, that’s a great thing. Yet it’s also true that a household you love to live in may not always be so suitable for those with aging bodies (as we all have), and may require a little preparation in advance.
Little things are obvious – fixing up your garden path so the paving stones are no longer loose can prevent a trip and fall, perhaps one that could be dangerous for an elderly person to encounter. But what about the not-so-obvious adjustments you could make? With a careful and diligent approach, you’ll undoubtedly find yourself on the right path. Here’s what that might look like:
Handholds, Handholds Everywhere
It’s not an insult against the elderly to admit that as we get older, our balance tends to become a little less stable. This is because our muscles and joint are weaker, and of course, the penalty for falling is much worse than it might be for someone in their twenties. Best to avoid that entirely. Implement handholds your relative can use will be cheap, easy to fit, and could potentially save them a nasty injury. Installing a hand rail on your garden path, up and near any stairs, perhaps even where they might need to bend, such as near a wardrobe when changing themselves and in the bathroom, can be a big help.
Ground Floor Living Utility
Utilities like stairlifts or short landings can help an elderly relative more easily make it up the stairs, but it can be healthy to reorient your household so they don’t have to. Ground floor living utility can be achieved by giving them a spare bedroom downstairs, allowing them access to a private en suite, perhaps even implementing small measures like their own fridge and storage space. This way, they can come and enjoy the rest of the house with you, but everything they need is on ground level and will be safer that way. This may not be an optional luxury for elderly relatives with mobility issues, so make sure to keep that in mind when accepting the new living situation.
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Warmth & Comfort
It’s important to keep elderly relatives warm. This is best achieved by making sure their wardrobe is filled with clothes their size that can be layered correctly, and of course, blankets, warm slippers, fingerless gloves and other small comforts can help a great deal, too.
But it’s also worth double-checking your insulation within the household, and installing new heating solutions with services like Radiator Village to guide you. This way, you can keep your home a comforting environment that will help them feel better and more relaxed when at home.
With this advice, you’ll be sure to care for your cherished elderly relative, even if they do come to live with you full time.
For similar posts see my interiors category.
