How to Help Aging Parents Stay in Their Home
Home, sweet home. Your parents’ home is their sanctuary, warm and welcoming, decorated with familiar mementos of their lives. Inside, they feel safe and cozy, with things arranged just how they like them. Every picture on the wall and book on the shelf holds cherished memories. Their home is their greatest asset, growing in worth over the years. Whether they live alone or in a house filled with loved ones, there is truly no place like home.
After all the care and effort they have put into building a solid foundation, it’s no wonder that over 90 percent of seniors said they would prefer to live their later years in their own homes as part of the local community rather than in an assisted facility. But as the years glide by, it becomes increasingly difficult for aging adults to open a jar of jelly or reach the top shelf.
As an adult child or caregiver, there are steps you can take to help your aging parents live out their golden years safely in the comfort of their homes.
What Measures Can Be Taken to Ensure Home Safety for Aging Parents?
Maintaining their independence is a top priority for the elderly. To help your parents age at home, consider investing in a modern medical alert system, a valuable safety tool to monitor the movement of older adults or anyone who lives alone. And with rapid advancements in technology, there are plenty of smart home devices to assist with aging in place.
Start with a thorough “spring cleaning,” whatever the season. Roll up your sleeves and organize the entire home. Get rid of the clutter. By modifying each room of the house, you can lower the risk of falls and avoid confusion.
Living Room
- Arrange furniture so there are clear pathways
- Secure carpets and remove loose rugs
- Install LED lighting with simple rocker switches that flip on and off
- Install door handles instead of door knobs
- Provide chairs and sofas with supportive armrests to aid with sitting and standing
Bathroom
- Install a raised toilet
- Install grab bars by the sink, toilet, shower, and bathtub
- Place clothing racks and hooks at a convenient level
- Put anti-skid strips in the shower and bathtub
- Place a shower chair in the shower
Kitchen
- Install drawer organizers
- Install a faucet with a single handle for both hot and cold
- Provide a sturdy stool for sitting when doing tasks
- Arrange cabinets so essentials are at arm’s reach
Bedroom
- Provide a sturdy chair with armrests for dressing
- Put a voice-activated light next to the bed
- Invest in an adjustable bed that is comfortable yet supportive
Stairs
- Add a handrail to both sides of the stairs for extra support
- Add reflective, anti-slip tape to each step
- Add a light switch at both the top and bottom of the steps
- Invest in a portable ramp to make navigating the home easier for walkers and wheelchairs
What Services and Resources Are Available to Support Aging Parents at Home?
You might be your parents’ number-one caregiver, happy to help as much as you can. But you also have obligations and sometimes could use a helping hand yourself. Luckily, many home and community-based services (HCBS) offer a wide range of support that includes:
- Home-delivered meals
- Transportation assistance
- In-home health care
- Homemaker and chore services
- Caregiver support services
Another option to consider is adult day care. It not only gives your parent a chance to socialize with their peers but also provides you, as a caregiver, with a well-needed break. Traditional community senior centers that offer classes or a place to exercise are great for healthy older people. But if your parent has physical or cognitive disabilities, an innovative adult day care center like Town Square Jersey Shore with trained professionals can complement your efforts.
How Can Emotional and Social Support Impact Aging Parents Staying at Home?
Friendships later in life improve both physical and mental health. According to AARP, socializing reduces fatigue and stress and can forestall dementia and physical decline. Conversations with a group of friends can exercise the brain the way unraveling a puzzle can – you have to remember people, faces, and their names. Studies have found that frequent social activity reduces cognitive decline by an average of 70 percent.
When your parents age in place, they should have a solid support network and take part in community activities. By joining a walking group, they can combine socializing with physical exercise. Many libraries have book talk groups geared toward older adults, as well as other creative activities. Religious institutions and civic organizations welcome new members. Volunteering can be rewarding, and make a real difference in the lives of others.
How Can Our Adult Day Care Services at Town Square Jersey Shore Support Aging Parents?
Remember when you used to drop your kids off at a day care center, allowing you to go to work or run errands knowing that your children were safe? Caring for an elderly parent, especially if they have cognitive issues, can be as challenging as caring for a child. Taking your parent to an adult day care center like Town Square Jersey Shore for a full or half day not only gives them the chance to socialize and energize, but it also gives you the chance to organize and grab some time for yourself.
At Town Square, we understand the need for seniors to socialize, and have created an innovative 1950s setting where they feel comfortable and welcome, surrounded by their peers. Over a dozen storefronts hold a treasure chest of activities inside each room. From painting classes to table games to classic movies, we offer something to stimulate everyone’s interests. Our groundbreaking approach combines essential senior care with the latest research in reminiscence therapy, allowing your parent to age with dignity while still living at home.
Explore Senior Care Solutions at Town Square Jersey Shore
Town Square Jersey Shore gets rave reviews for our colorful 1950s setting and clubhouse vibe, as well as our supportive and caring staff. Explore our senior care programs and discover how our community can support your parent who wants to age in place. And if you’re looking for a Town Square location closer to home, try our other New Jersey location at Town Square Princeton.
Town Square offers revolutionary adult day care services you will not find anywhere else. Contact us today to discover our safe, social, and creative community and learn more about our adult day programs.
