Tips for Daily Living

You worry, worry, worry. Is Dad lonely? Is Mom eating right? Should Mom or Dad be living alone? It's stressful when a parent lives alone, or even when two slightly frail parents live together. Here's some food for thought:

Do a safety check.

Make sure smoke detectors work and that your parent can use fire escapes. Clearly label all chemicals, cleaning fluids, insecticides, medications, etc. Post emergency phone numbers. Get a medical alert system so your parent can push a button for help from anywhere in the house.

Fall-proof the house.

Tack down loose carpets. Get rid of throw rugs. Remove thresholds. Clear pathways. Install handrails and grab bars. Install non-slip strips in the shower. Be sure lighting is bright and evenly distributed. Use highlights.

Make life easy.

Use lever-style faucets and cabinet handles, raise toilet seats, install soap dispensers, and so on. Opt for elastic-waist pants, slip-on shoes and wrap-around dresses, or replace buttons with Velcro closures.
Check the food supply.

Stock your parent's cupboards with dried and canned foods and other supplies so she only has to buy fresh foods and dairy products. A local grocer might deliver. A microwave or toast-and-broil oven is easier for single servings. Make sure utensils, plates, etc. are easy to reach. If you bring food, make sure your parent can reheat it. Check into meal delivery services and/or companions who might join your parent for a meal.

Keep the roads safe.

Driving is a tough subject, but don't be too soft because lives may be in danger. When your parent's driving skills become questionable:

  • Correct problems (check vision and medications, elevate pedals, raise the seat, install large mirrors)
  • Look into senior driving courses from AARP, AAA and the National Safety Council
  • Learn about alternatives (cabs, buses, senior transportation services)
  • Limit driving to safer times and familiar places (daytime, local roads, good weather, not rush hour)
  • When it's time to quit, don't delay. If you can't do it, get your parent's doctor or a good friend to speak with him. If absolutely necessary, disable the car. Your relationship might be hurt, but at least no lives will have been lost.

 

Courtesy of Virginia Morris, www.careforagingparents.com