5 Essential Tips to Keep Your Aging Parent Safe at Home: Insights from a Nurse

If you’re stepping into the role of caring for your aging parent at home, it’s natural to want to ensure their safety and comfort.; As an elder care nurse for over 15 years and owner of a home health company I’ve seen what can happen if an elder does not have a safe environment. I’ve got some practical tips to help you navigate this journey without being overly intrusive. Let’s dive in:

1. Home Sweet Home Inspection:

First things first, let’s give your parent’s living space the once-over. Keep an eye out for any potential hazards like loose area rugs, loose rugs, slippery floors, cluttered pathways, and poorly lit areas. If there are stairs, this is a hotspot. Make sure the stairs are carpeted, have handrails and are kept clutter-free. Installing grab bars in the bathroom shower is a good start. Adding some extra lighting such as having low-light night lights in bathrooms and hallways. I particularly like nightlights in lower outlets in the hallways to prevent tripping when moving around at night. Think of it as giving their home a safety makeover!

2. Mastering Meds:

Juggling medications can be tricky business, especially when there’s multiple medications  involved. Update their medication list regularly with their health care provider and set up a system to keep track of their medications and refill schedules. There are a variety of pill organizers depending on how often medications need to be taken available at most drug stores and of course Amazon.  There are also medication apps that your parents can have on their phone and that you can monitor if they take them and when refills are due. I like a cute app called “Max” and another more technical one called “Medisafe”. Both are simple to use and free.

 3. Emergency Preparedness:

Let’s talk worst-case scenarios (but with a plan in place, they’ll feel a whole lot less scary). Put together an emergency plan that outlines steps to take in case of medical emergencies, natural disasters, or power outages. Ents have easy access to an emergency contact list, a flashlight with extra batteries, bottled water, a portable fan, extra blankets, and non-perishable snacks.  Consider installing emergency alert systems or medical alert devices that allow your parent to call for help quickly in case of falls or other emergencies. If your parent wears a watch, the new AppleWatch has some cool health and safety features, one that detects falls and immediately notifies your emergency contacts.

4. Enlist a Great Team:

Nobody should have to go at this alone, especially when it comes to looking after our loved ones. It’s time to rally the troops, whether it’s family members, friends, or professional caregivers. Coordinate a schedule for regular check-ins and assistance with daily tasks such as housekeeping, and transportation to medical appointments. Meal preparation is also SO important but can cause some safety concerns. 

Some food options include meal kit options like Home Chef and Blue Apron, have simple recipes without food waste. There are also great microwavable options; our team loves Factor75 because they have healthy options that are delivered fresh (not frozen), and you can choose your meals weekly. Another meal option is looking into a Meals on Wheels program in your area, especially if your parents are homebound or no longer drive. Consider enrolling your parents in community programs or hiring home care services to provide additional support and companionship.

5. Healthy Habits, Happy Days:

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is one of the best ways to keep our aging parents safe.  Healthy food, regular exercise, and hydration. Make sure their home is stocked with healthy food options and encourage them to stay hydrated throughout the day. I like a water bottle with the times listed on the sides (here’s a link). This not only helps track water consumption but also helps our parents keep up with the time of day if that is challenging for them.  Help them incorporate gentle exercises such as walking, stretching, or chair exercises into their daily routine to improve mobility and strength. There are tons of easy phone apps for exercise routines. Monitor their physical and mental health closely and seek medical attention if you notice any concerning symptoms or changes in behavior.

Caring for an aging parent at home can be challenging, but with careful planning and support, you can create a safe and comfortable environment that promotes their well-being and independence. Remember to prioritize open communication, empathy, and patience as you navigate this journey together. Your efforts will make a meaningful difference in your parent’s quality of life and allow them to age gracefully in the comfort of their own home.

Together...