subject: Preparing Your House To Care For An Elderly Loved One [print this page] It is an unavoidable fact that someday a person will grow old. When this happens, sometimes it is necessary for a family member to take care of them, as they may have trouble doing it all by themselves. Along with learning a new schedule, the home owner needs to make sure that their living space is transformed into something that is safe for the elderly.
1. A large space for walking and maneuvering should be created. As a person ages, the odds of becoming seriously injured from even a small fall or impact is quite high; therefore, some kind of path needs to be cleared for them. Clear away any and all computer and other electrical cords, along with anything else that a person could become tangled in. Walkers and wheelchairs are very vulnerable to these issues, and should be taken into consideration. Clutter, such as stacks of books and office supplies, should also be removed from the floor area.
2. There are also a few precautions that need to be made in the kitchen area. Some elderly tend to forget that they have left something on, such as an oven, and this has the potential to be dangerous. Using appliances that shut off by themselves are essential for this kind of situation. There should also be care taken that any flammable items in the kitchen are kept away from where heat is utilized. Keep things that your elder might need at waist length on the countertop, so that they will not need to stretch or bend down to get what they seek.
3. Make sure that the elderly person will be able to see what they are doing and where they are going. Provide adequate lighting, especially in areas notoriously dark that could be hiding something sharp or otherwise dangerous. However, it is important to not overdo it, as shadows could appear that mislead or deceive the older person. Place bright stickers on large, sliding glass doors or windows; with age, eyesight becomes more difficult, and the elder could easily not realize that something is not actually open. These are just a few things that can be done.
This article is not legal advice.
Caring for an aging loved one can be difficult. Long Island Attorney Andrew Lamkin can help with all of your elder law needs. Contact him at his website.
