Guest Post by Harry Cline | newcaregiver.org
Photo via Pixabay
Many Americans have made the decision to have a senior loved one come and live with them in recent years, and while the reasons may vary–health issues, financial troubles, the death of a spouse–the outcome is generally a happy one for the senior. Older adults benefit greatly from having a safe and stable household to live in with loved ones who support them and provide social interaction, especially if they suffer from a cognitive disease like dementia.
The key is to prepare your home for your loved one as much as possible before they arrive. Having a safe, comfortable environment is crucial for a senior’s wellbeing and will help them adapt easily to your house. You’ll also want to prepare your family members for any changes that might occur, such as different schedules or routines than the ones they’re used to.
The good news is you don’t have to spend a lot of money to prepare your home for your senior loved one if you browse for deals or look online for savings platforms that connect to major retailers. Here is a brief guide to help you get started on your preparations.
Help them keep their belongings
One of the most difficult parts of a move for a senior is parting with belongings that they’ve had for years, many of which have sentimental value attached to them. A great way to help alleviate the stress that a downsize can cause is to help your loved one move the items in that they can’t live without and consider a storage solution for the rest. Adding a steel storage unit to your property will likely be cheaper in the long run than paying a monthly fee for a facility, and it will allow your loved one to have immediate access to their belongings whenever they want. The units are not only cost-effective, they’re also durable and can withstand the elements.
Help them feel comfortable
Your senior loved one may need a few things in order to feel comfortable in your home, including fluffy bath towels, new bedding, or soft pajamas to sleep in. Macy’s is a great place to get everything they need, but it’s a good idea to do some research first to find the best deals. You can search online for Macy’s promo codes and coupons to help save money on all the items your loved one will need during their stay in your home.
Make it safe
Seniors are often at risk in their homes for falls and other accidents that can cause great bodily harm, so it’s essential to make sure your house is prepared well before your loved one moves in. There are several cost-effective ways to go about preparing, such as removing clutter and throw rugs, looking for trip hazards such as cords or threshold strips, adding a raised toilet seat in the bathroom, and installing a ramp over steps. You can also add lighting to darker areas of the home to help prevent falls and vision impairment, especially in hallways where there is no natural light.
Keep communication open
It can be a rough transition on everyone in the family when a senior loved one moves in, so it’s important to keep communication open both before and during the move. Talk to younger family members about any schedule changes they can expect, or how they might make the routine a little easier for your loved one to adjust to. Talk to outside family members about how they can help, as well, especially when it comes to assisting your loved one with daily tasks when you’re at work. This can help you save money on things like transportation during the week. The more you talk about what to expect, the easier it will be for everyone involved.
Preparing your home for a senior loved one to move in can be a challenge, but using the above money-saving strategies can ease some of the stress. Research deals online, ask for help when needed, and use your resources to make your home as comfortable and inviting as possible.