Here is a Planning Checklist to use as a guide.

All Living Areas – making them safer for you and your loved one

 

• Are all electrical and telephone chords secured or out of the way to avoid being tripped over? Don't run your chords under rugs or furniture, they can become damaged or frayed and don't use tacks or nails to secure them down. 

• Will your loved one be able to turn lights on and off easily? If not you can try touchable lamps or lamps that react to sound. 

• Do the doors and windows open easily and lock securely? 

• Are walking pathways free of clutter? 

• Will your loved one be able to get up and down from your sofa and chairs safely and easily? If not, straight back chairs with armrests and firm seats may be a wise investment. You can also add a firm cushion to your existing chairs since adding a bit of height will make it easier for them to sit down on and get up from. Click here for the best solutions.  

• If your loved one is still able to use the phone you may want to purchase a telephone with large push buttons which will make dialing easy. Program all emergency numbers into the speed dial.  Write the numbers down and tape them to the wall by the phone. Another great idea is to obtain an emergency call system in case of fall or injury. Click here for some of the best solutions. 

• Obtain a wireless intercom system so you can be easily reached if the person needs assistance. 

• Make sure a television with remote control is accessible.

 

The Kitchen – often a good place to encourage enjoyable therapeutic activity.

 

• Are your appliances in working order? 
• Are your pots and pans, utensils, pot holders, easily accessible?
• Are favorite food items easy to reach?
• Are all flammable materials away from the stove?
• Are sharp objects stored in a safe place?
• Is there adequate space to work or maneuver a wheelchair or power chair??
• Can all kitchen outlets be reached safely?
• Is it easy to transfer food from the cooking area to the eating area?
• Are the sink faucets easy to turn on and off and easy to reach?

 

The Bathroom – the most critical area for both the caregiver and the loved one.

•  Is the entrance to the bathroom easily accessed and free from clutter?
• Will your loved one be able to get in and out of the shower and bathtub safely on their own? If they can't you will have to install grab bars on both the inside and outside of the bath and shower. Remember that towel racks are not sturdy enough or meant to be used as grab handles. Click here to see some great solutions to bath safety issues.
• Make sure the shower or bathtub has a waterproof wireless intercom so assistance can be summoned if needed. Click here for a bath intercom.
• Can your loved one shower safely standing up or is a chair needed? If you do need a chair, purchase one with non-skid pads. Click here to see an array of shower chairs.
• Have you placed non-skid strip pads and a bath mat in place?
• Have you installed a raised seat, a safety frame or a grab bar so your loved one can safely transfer to the toilet? Click here for solutions to these and other bath safety items.
• Can the outlets, and light switches be easily reached?
• Do you have a nightlight for those midnight bathroom trips?

 

The Bedroom – a different set of needs for the caregiver and the loved one.

• You may have to consider purchasing an electric bed if your loved one has problems getting in and out of a regular bed safely. Click here for solutions.
• Can the bedside light be reached from bed?
• Is there a phone that can be reached from bed?
• Is there a wireless intercom that can be used to reach you in case of emergencies? Click here for intercom solutions.
• Is there a clear path from the bed to the bathroom?
• If your loved one has difficulty getting in and out of bed you can install a trapeze bar for them to use. Click here to see a number of safe ways to help handle these tasks.
• Do you have guardrails on the bed to ensure your loved one does not fall out during the night? Click here for solutions.

 

Safety throughout the home.

• Do you have working smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers throughout your home? It is always a good idea to periodically check to make sure they are working properly. Click here to see other home safety items.
• Do you have emergency numbers such as Doctor’s offices, the hospital, fire, and 911 by the phone, as well as any other emergency contact number?
• Have you placed night lights in every room of the house if your loved one is a night wanderer? The little bit of light they do give off will help to prevent tripping and falling. Click here for many ways to shed light on pathways.

 

Special Equipment That You May Need – click on each item to see what’s available.

• A hospital bed.  
• A Lift chair.
• A cane and/or walker or rolling walker.
• A wheelchair.
• A bedside commode.
• A transfer lift - to help get in and out of bed.
• Oxygen.
• Wireless intercom system.

 

Every step you take in advance to get your home ready will pay dividends in reduced fatigue and anxiety for both you and your loved one.

Go through each room one at a time and make a list of things that need to be done, based on your loved ones disability or illness. You may find you are more prepared to be a caregiver than you thought you were.

Talking with Mom & Dad

From a distance they seem like a nice senior couple or a fine older gentleman or perfect older lady. They are still YOUR parent(s). The more things change – the more they remain the same. It is a difficult transition from being the child to being the caregiver – they need you now, more than ever – don’t push them away with your behavior.

 

One of the hardest things for any son or daughter is to watch his/her parents grow old. Even if your parent does not suffer from sickness like Alzheimer’s, the abilities to absorb information become diminished with time. Here are a few suggestions that can help.

  

1) Be patient, kind, and loving. It is important to be patient when you talk to your aging parents. Their ability to carry on a conversation may become diminished. Yes, sometimes you may have to repeat yourself. Never speak harshly or remind them that you have already had the same conversation moments before. If they cannot hear you, you should try to speak louder and slower. Remember, your parents are not trying to irritate you.

 

2) Do not force your parents to talk. Believe it or not, you are not the only person that may feel frustrated. When your parents cannot communicate with you, it is hard on them too. It is important to understand your parent's frustration. To persistently try to engage them in conversation when they obviously wish to remain quiet is an intrusion on their inner privacy. It may allow them to just enjoy your presence – not a bad thing.

 

3) When you do engage them in a comforting chat - keep the conversation simple. If your parents have a hard time understanding you, it is wise to keep the conversation light and simple. When you have to talk to them about complicated issues, try to break it down into plain and simple sentences. Try to avoid jargon that only you may understand.

 

4) Never ridicule your parents. Despite your desire to make light of their situation, it is rarely a good idea to make a joke to lighten the mood. Making your parents feel ashamed or embarrassed is not good for them – or for you.