It’s a moment most families hope to never experience – the day when your parents have to move in with you because they can no longer live on their own.
While this can be a loving and caring moment, it’s also important to make sure that your home is ready for them before they arrive.
In this blog post, we will discuss seven upgrades you should consider making before moving an aging parent into your home.
Add textured, no-slip strips in the bathtub and shower
One of the most important upgrades you can make is adding textured, no-slip strips in the bathtub and shower. They are often inexpensive, and they can make a huge difference in safety.
You can find these strips at most home improvement stores. They are typically applied with adhesive, and they can be cut to fit any size tub or shower.
Their main purpose is to provide traction so that your parents do not slip and fall. Also, they can help to prevent soap scum and mold buildup, which can be a common problem in bathrooms.
Their price tag is worth the peace of mind they can provide. This will help to prevent your parents from slipping and falling while bathing or showering.
It can be a simple and relatively inexpensive upgrade that could potentially save your parent’s life. This is especially important if your parent is elderly and has mobility issues.
Apply non-slip wax on floors
Another important upgrade is to apply non-slip wax on floors. Wax is typically applied to floors in commercial kitchens and bathrooms, but it can also be used in residential homes.
It is important to use a wax that is specifically designed for floors, as some waxes can actually make floors more slippery.
You can find non-slip floor wax at most home improvement stores. They are usually applied with a mop, and they need to be reapplied on a regular basis.
A fall can be very serious for an elderly person, so you want to do everything you can to prevent falls.
This will help to prevent your parent from slipping and falling while walking around the house. Again, it can be a simple and relatively inexpensive upgrade that could potentially save your parent’s life.
Place a waterproof seat or chair in the shower
If your parents are elderly or have mobility issues, it might be a good idea to place a waterproof seat or chair in the shower. What it does is provide a comfortable place for your parents to sit while they are showering.
This can help them to avoid falls, as it will give them something to hold onto. It’s also important that the seat or chair is waterproof, as this will protect them from getting wet.
You can find these seats and chairs at most home improvement stores. They typically cost between $20 and $50.
This is a small price to pay for the added safety it provides. This will make it easier for them to bathe and will help to reduce the risk of falls.
Put non-skid treads on steps
If your home has steps, it’s important to put non-skid treads on them. They are usually made of rubber or other materials that provide traction.
They can be found at most home improvement stores, and they are typically very easy to install. Usually, all you have to do is peel and stick them to the steps.
They come in a variety of colors, so you can choose one that will match your home’s decor. Non Skid treads are important because they help to prevent falls.
You might also want to consider getting a stair lift, as it can drastically help reduce the risk of falls.
They can be very dangerous for elderly people, so it’s important to take every precaution possible to prevent them. This is a simple and relatively inexpensive upgrade that can make a big difference in safety.
Remove throw rugs
Throw rugs can be a tripping hazard, especially for elderly or mobility-impaired people. Throw rugs are often used to add a bit of color or style to a room, but they can be very dangerous.
If you throw rugs in your home, it’s important to remove them. You can either put them away somewhere or donate them to charity. It’s also a good idea to vacuum and clean the floors on a regular basis.
This will help to remove any dirt or debris that could cause someone to trip. Think about how you can make your home safer for your elderly parents. This is a simple way to do it.
Replace standard doorknobs with lever handles
If your home has standard doorknobs, it’s a good idea to replace them with lever handles. They are much easier to grip, especially for people with arthritis or other mobility issues.
Lever handles are also easier to open, so your elderly parent won’t have to struggle with them. You can find these handles at most home improvement stores.
They typically cost between $20 and $50. Lever handles are much easier to use than doorknobs, and they can be a lifesaver.
Replace toilet with a raised or high-profile toilet
If your toilet is a standard height, it’s a good idea to replace it with a raised or high-profile toilet. It makes it much easier for elderly or mobility-impaired people to use the toilet.
A raised or high-profile toilet is also more comfortable, as it provides more support. You can find these toilets at most home improvement stores.
They typically cost between $100 and $200. That is a significant investment, but it’s worth it. Your parents will be much more comfortable and will be able to use the toilet with ease.
It will also significantly help to reduce the risk of falls. This is an important upgrade to consider if you’re moving your parents into your home.
Making these simple upgrades before your parents move in can help to make their transition into your home much safer and easier.
By taking these precautions, you can help to ensure that they will be able to live comfortably in your home for many years to come. Thank you for reading.