Parkinson’s disease presents many challenges for seniors and their loved ones. Yet understandably, many seniors wish to stay in their own homes as long as possible. While Parkinson’s can present many difficulties over time, especially when it comes to mobility, with the proper precautions, continuing to enjoy the golden years at home is still a viable option. Here are a few important steps you can take to make your senior loved one’s home as safe as possible.
Living Environment
When updating your loved one’s home environment, start by considering physical and cognitive challenges that may make it difficult to get around spaces like kitchens, living rooms, and bathrooms. For seniors with Parkinson’s, this often includes making room in commonly used spaces to facilitate movements. As a general rule, leave about five feet of space between pieces of furniture to allow a wheelchair to turn around without bumping into objects. Remove the following obstacles to make movement easier:
- Floor rugs
- Standing lamps
- Home decorations (especially vases or other breakables)
If you’re the primary caregiver for a senior family member and you need respite care, Clearwater, FL, Home Care Assistance is here to help. Our respite caregivers are trained to assist older adults with a wide variety of everyday tasks, including meal prep, physical activity, and personal hygiene. We also provide 24-hour care and specialized care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s.
Bathrooms
Personal grooming is a challenge your loved one is likely to face at some point when living with Parkinson’s disease. To give your loved one as much dignity and independence as possible, make bathrooms more convenient. This often includes replacing doorknobs with door pulls or utility handles for easier gripping and placing grab bars by toilets, sinks, and bathtubs. You may also want to consider hiring a caregiver who can assist with personal care needs and ensure safety. Caregivers can help with personal grooming routines in the morning or evening.
If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of elder care families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
Aging in Place Considerations
Some seniors with Parkinson’s may not be willing or able to acknowledge any difficulties with their daily living routines. Consider taking notes or making periodic observations yourself to determine if there are adjustments you can make to remove any obstacles your loved one may encounter throughout the day. Some things than can make it easier and safer for your loved on to age in place include:
- Raised toilet seats (to make sitting and standing easier)
- Smoke detectors (located near doorways and bedrooms)
- Stair lifts (to reduce the risk of injury)
- Clearly labeled medications
There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to manage if their families opt for professional senior care. Clearwater families can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep their loved ones safe and comfortable while aging in place. Home Care Assistance can be your trusted partner when your loved one needs help with the challenges of aging. Call us today at (727) 330-7862 to learn about our high-quality in-home care services.