7 Home Changes to Consider When Your Parent Moves In

If you and your elderly loved one have decided it’s time she comes and lives with you, there is a lot to do before she moves in. Some changes need to be made right away, some can wait, and if possible, some should be made before she moves in. Whether this is an unexpected change or something you’ve both been planning for, here are seven things to consider doing before she’s permanently living under your roof.

Seven Tips for When Your Parent Moves Back Home

Determine Where She’s Sleeping.
There’s a lot that goes into making a bedroom comfortable and safe for your elderly loved one. Making sure it’s private, is away from noise and light, and offers enough room for your loved one is usually a first consideration. Even if your loved one is currently physically active, you should also consider having her bedroom on the main floor and near a bathroom in case she later struggles with stairs.

Make Bathrooms Safe
Adding a shower stool to sit on, anti-slip mats to the bathtub, and secure railings can all help reduce the risk of her falling when using the bathroom.

Talk About Pets
If you have a pet, how will you make sure it doesn’t create problems for your loved one? A large dog that loves to jump on your lap could injure your loved one if it jumps on her unexpectedly. A cat that is constantly underfoot can cause her to trip.

Make Getting In and Out of the House Easier
Sticky doors, doorknobs that are tough to turn, and entryways that are littered with everyone’s shoes may be something you’ve gotten used to, but they may all make it hard for your loved one to safely use the door, especially if she needs to get out or inside in a hurry or emergency.

Provide Kitchen Support
Your loved one may need kitchen essentials that she can use easily. Heavy pots may be too much to lift, and a hand-cranked can opener may be hard to use if she has arthritis. It can also help to move around items currently stored in the cabinets so that things she uses often, like the coffee maker or blender, are easily within reach and don’t require the use of a step stool.

Make Outdoor Living Spaces Friendly
Your loved one will enjoy sitting on a patio or puttering in the garden if you provide her with comfortable, shaded spots to enjoy the area.

Prevent Loneliness
If you are still working full-time, and your loved one can’t drive, she might get lonely being home alone all day. Having a caring person visit each day and provide companion care at home is a great way for your loved one to make new connections and have someone to talk to. A companion care at home provider can take her on walks around the neighborhood, sit and play a game with her, or pour her a cup of coffee and talk about the latest news. Companion care at home providers help you worry less when you’re away from home, knowing someone is there with your elderly loved one, keeping her company and keeping her safe.

If you or an aging loved one are considering companion care at home in Mamaroneck, NY, please contact the caring staff at Griswold Care Pairing for Scarsdale & Yonkers today. (914) 337-5028.