The Older one gets, the more difficult it is to accept changes, and it is sometimes very difficult to convince a parent to change things in the home for their own safety.
The home would have to be elderly friendly which would allow safe and easy access for those who have to use walkers or even a cane. Seniors have the need to feel useful by doing activities and hobbies that interest them, and we have to be careful about when and how we should intervene.
The kitchen especially, can be a hazard if it is not Elderly Proofed. So many falls and accidents happen in the kitchen, with oil and spills causing one to slip, or when reaching for objects, injuries caused by appliances or objects placed in a microwave that are totally inappropriate. Its not the easiest task making the kitchen a safe area, but if you tackle one area at a time by looking around with a critical eye, and finding that the seemingly harmless things may very well be a potential threat for an elder who uses a cane, or who is suffering from dementia, check the floors, counter tops, cupboards and appliances.
Scatter rugs have been the cause of many elderly falls which have resulted in permanent disability, and so it would be best to remove these altogether, along with ensuring that all electrical cords are covered or well secured.
Flammable liquids should be stored out doors, in case of an unwanted fire spreading even further. Cupboards should have child-proof locks where dangerous cooking utensils or objects are stored, as well as medication.
It is a good idea to have a night light in the house to prevent an elder from being confused in the dark when having to get up during the night.
It is very easy to get overly protective of our elderly parents, as we certainly don`t want to see them getting hurt in any way, so it is difficult to know when to interfere, and they also need to have a sense of self, but remember that safety is essential and should come first.
People with Alzheimer`s often perk up if they have been given a task to do, whether it is folding laundry or placing flowers in a vase, and it is important to them to keep their dignity as they grow old and as each person is different, they should be able to do as much as they feel comfortable with as long as it doesn`t hurt them or anyone else.
Good nutrition is very important in the life of an elder, and one needs to ensure that their meals are healthy.
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