It can be a challenge being a caregiver for aging parents. However, there are many steps that you can take to make their twilight years more comfortable, especially if they wish to stay at home and age in place. Implementing a few key changes can make all the difference to their well-being. Here are some tips to ensure that the home is as safe as it can be.

How to Make Your Parents’ Home Safer

1. Prioritize Adequate Lighting

Caregivers can dramatically minimize potential fall hazards by ensuring that the home is properly lit. Assess the lighting quality in each room and make improvements where needed. Add brighter lights to dim hallways, for example, and make sure staircases are properly illuminated. Consider adding more lighting to areas that may not typically be lit, like the undersides of cabinets and closet interiors.

2. Install Bathroom Mechanisms

The risk of injury in the bathroom increases with age, but you can make the space more user-friendly by adding grab bars both inside and outside the tub or shower. Installing an elevated toilet can increase comfort, and installing safety rails on each side can also make it easier to sit and stand. Secure rubber mats to the tub or shower surface to prevent slipping, and consider adding a shower chair to help your parents bathe more comfortably.

3. Add Monitoring Systems

You’ll feel greater peace of mind knowing your parents’ home is properly monitored with systems that can alert you in the event of a fire, carbon monoxide leak, or break-in. Replace the battery in the detectors at least twice each year, and install smart home security solutions. A video doorbell, for example, alerts them to who is at the door. Outdoor and indoor cameras can be viewed remotely from your own device, allowing you to check in on them periodically.

If you or a loved one need help with Activities of Daily Living (ADL) which includes meal preparation, light housekeeping, toileting, and bathing, trust the caregivers at Deer Valley Home Health Services in St. Louis, MO. There’s also the option of arranging for private duty nurse visits if you do not qualify for Medicaid. Call (314) 355-3679 to discuss your specific needs, or visit them online to learn more about their services.