How To Help Your Aging Parent Remain Independent

People with parents who've reached their golden years have a unique responsibility. As our parents age there are many things that use to be easy to do that have become increasingly difficult. That doesn't mean that they are ready for assisted living or a senior home by any means. Helping your parent journey through this season of life can prove beneficial for both you and your parent(s). It can enhance the quality of your relationship. It also can put your mind at ease as you know that life for them is a bit simpler but yet completely self-sustaining!

Of course there may become a season in which lawn service, snow removal service or house cleaning services may need to be provided. The goal is to help mom or dad remain independent as long as possible without compromising their health or well-being. Begin talking with your parents if you are at this stage. Get involved in the quality of their lives. They will appreciate the thoughtful care you give. The following are a few simple ideas that can actually make their lives, and yours, more enjoyable and independent!

There are a lot of little problems you can help your parents solve that will better serve them as they negotiate day to day life independently. It's important that you ask your parent(s) for permission to share thoughts and ideas of ways you can work together to keep them healthy, independent and safe.

1. Evaluate their kitchen. Do pots and pans, frequently used dishes or food pantry items need to be relocated in a place where they do not need to reach too far.
2. Create a cleaning caddy where cleaning supplies are neatly placed in a plastic rubber caddy with a handle. This way they won't have to fish around under bathroom sinks to find their cleaning supplies. Store the caddy along with brooms and dust pans at waist or eye level for easy reaching.
3. Place hooks in back hallways or bathrooms to make hanging coats and towels easier than hanging up in small crowded closets.
4. Make sure at least one light in each room is connected to the wall switch so mom or dad don't have to stumble around in a dark room to find a light.
5. Pick up rugs or replace bulky rugs with thin rugs. Walkers and canes can easily cause a stumble when trying to navigate rugs around the house. It is a safety issue so remove or replace with more appropriate rugs.
6. Keep a flashlight with working batteries in nightstand drawers as well as family room drawer in case of a power outage.
7. Relocate washer and dryer, if possible, to main level if stairs become too difficult. Provide a laundry center with a pole to hang clothes as well as bins to place folded clothes. Make sure there are wheels on it so they can wheel it to the appropriate room.
8. Lower the ironing board to accommodate sitting on a chair while ironing. A desk chair that swivels works well. Also, if possible choose a room or location in which the ironing board can be left out and open as it is cumbersome to close and store away.
9. Purchase a garbage/recycling platform with wheels from a hardware store for easy transporting at the end of the driveway on garbage day.
10. Place grab bars not only in stairwells without them but also showers and tubs to assist in maintaining balance. Be sure there are anti slip grips in the bottom of each tub as well to prevent slipping.
11. Keep a list of important names and phone numbers next to all heavily used phones.
12. If mom or dad is home bound provide them with grocery shopping service each week.
13. Keep lines of communication open with key neighbors, extended family or friends who live near by exchanging phone numbers and visiting when you stop by your parents house. If they notice something unusual they can call you immediately.

These simple things you can do to help your aging parents remain in control of their day to day effects and function quite well independently.