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How To Transition In An Older Family Member Into Your Home

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Freedom from the sands of time

Living a healthier lifestyle and taking advantage of advances in medical technology mean that the average life span is increasing to record numbers. With people living longer today, you may have to accommodate your elderly parents moving into your home. The following helpful tips can ensure that the transition is smooth and comfortable for all parties involved.

1. Family Meeting

Before your loved ones make the move, you should have a family discussion. This should include all of the parties involved and each person should come with ideas on how to make the living arrangements comfortable for everyone. Your elderly family member should be treated with the utmost respect, and you don’t want to make them feel like they are a burden. However, there should be a thorough discussion to make sure that everyone is on the same page with the move before it actually happens. Knowing what to expect is key to a happy move.

2. Safety First

To ensure that your family members have a safe and comfortable home to live in, you need to make your home elderly proof. This includes removing tripping hazards such as loose carpet and uneven floorboards. The bathroom area should have a bar in the shower to help lift them out of the tub, and non-slip surfaces on the floor. Other changes to assist in their mobility could include shelving units that are reachable without a ladder and a room on the main floor of the home, so they don’t have to do stairs. They may also need a ramp or lifts to get into the house if they have trouble walking. Lighting should also be a priority, so you should make sure everything is properly lit, both indoors and out.

3. Comfy Furniture

Comfy furnishings designed around their own personal needs can be a nice thing to arrange, especially when choosing appropriate furniture to make it easier for them to get up and down. Love seats, over-sized chairs, sofas, and sectionals can aid in making their space feel like home, and it’s great for reducing aches and pains associated with arthritis. Include them in picking out the style, colors, and design of the furnishings by shopping online at home where you can view an array of furnishings. Most online furniture manufacturers have unlimited styles with everything from classic to traditional.

4. Pain Medications

Children of elderly parents should be aware of any health concerns, and then the parent’s medication schedule. This includes a time frame of when the medication should be taken, how many times per day, and the amount that should be taken. They should also have a list of physicians in case any problems may arise while they are in your care.

5. Personal Space

Moving into a family member’s home may not be easy for a parent, and special considerations need to be made regarding their own personal space. This includes giving them time to socialize with their friends, letting them do things for themselves, and making them feel like they are an integral part of the family.

It can be challenging to make a smooth transition when welcoming an elderly parent into your home. However, with the proper furniture, safety precautions, and effort in ensuring they feel like an important part of the family, you’ll find it a special bonding experience.