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Many families these days are faced with the need to bring adult parents into their home to live. It may be for health reasons or even financial, but suddenly your home needs to expand to fit one or two more.
There are certain things to consider to prepare for their arrival. Basically, you need to make your home a safe place for them to live.
Most elderly do not handle stairs well, so try to accommodate them with a room on the first floor. If this is not possible you may need to make some modifications to your staircase, such as a stair lift. If your parent is wheelchair bound you will need to have a ramp installed to make access to the house possible.
Good lighting, preferrable overhead, is a must for the elderly, since many are not able to see well. You will want them to have easy access to any light switches. Consider putting in motion detection lights to avoid possible falls in the night.
Bathroom access is something to consider. Many home bathrooms are not elderly friendly. You may have to raise the toilet seat or place a bar near the toilet to help them sit or stand easily.
Be sure that the shower is assessable, easy to get in and out of. There are various types of walk in tubs that make bathing safe and easy.
Check the floors throughout the house. Any frayed carpet or vinyl flooring that could be a tripping hazard needs repairing. A cane or walker could easily become entangled in these and cause a nasty accident.
Take the time to fix and repair before your parent/parents arrive so that their move-in will be less stressful.
