All of a sudden, you’re the one taking care instead of being taken care of. That’s the truth for many families when parents grow older and start getting frailer or even develop conditions such as Parkinson’s or Dementia. Is there a way you can help them maintain a good quality of life? We found multiple products and services that can make a world of difference for everyone involved, whether they still live on their own or are part of your household.
A New Chair
For most older people there’s the challenge of painful joints and muscles that hamper normal movement. Prevent some of this by using lift chairs that help a person switch between a standing and sitting position much easier.
You can watch TV, read or practice a hobby in the same spot. Thanks to the reclining position you can even comfortably nap, so there’s no need to walk to the bedroom for daytime naps. Therefore, having this will give you peace of mind that there’s less risk of your parents falling and hurting themselves when they’re alone.
Meal Deliveries
Good nutrition is vital for all age groups, but the elderly may not have the energy or mobility to prepare wholesome meals anymore. Luckily, with healthy living being a popular topic in today’s society, there are many meal delivery services that provide balanced lunches, dinners and even breakfasts.
Subscribe to one for your parents for regular deliveries and you’re bound to get a discount, so it becomes more affordable.
Sensor-based Gadgets
Modern innovators love playing around with technology and as a result there are many gadgets that come in very handy for those with less mobility.
Imagine how the following can make their living space safer and more practical:
- Motion sensor lights that will light up a passage or a room when they move around in the house at night.
- An automated pet feeder, so looking after their companions isn’t impaired by a lack of mobility.
Yes, you’ll probably want these for yourself as well!
Home Care
Your first thought is probably that having someone care for your parents at home will feel like an invasion of privacy. However, these trained experts are focused on building close relationships with patients and their families, so eventually they’ll become your friends too.
There’s a range of benefits with this arrangement, whether you decide on full-time or part-time care:
- Seniors can continue living in their homes, instead of moving to a care facility that can often feel impersonal.
- Staying in the environment they know is good for mental health, since they’ll feel more at home and relaxed.
- You can wait a little longer before moving your parents into your own home, so you have time to prepare and discuss details.
- Home care gives patients a sense of independence and dignity, resulting in quality of life for a longer period.
Adaptive Clothing
Can clothing really adapt? Thanks to innovative designs, adaptive clothing items are much easier to put on, so even those with less mobility can still dress themselves. For example, instead of buttons, the design incorporates Velcro but still looks stylish.
Once again, this allows for more independence.
A New Carpet
For some older people, even moving around the house is hazardous, because they can easily stumble. Reduce the risk of this happening by reviewing each room. What furniture can you move out of the way? If you don’t want to remove loose carpets since they add warmth to the room, simply use low pile rugs and make sure they have non-slip surfaces at the back.
Online, Home-based Activities
Staying active and socialising is important for quality of life, but your parent may not be able to easily go outside the house. Luckily, even hobbies and interacting with others can be home-based. Simply find an online group that hosts discussions on certain topics or helps people with similar interests connect with each other.
Tip: start off with a quick lesson on how to use the computer or smartphone so your parents don’t get frustrated when starting out.
Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Make home maintenance the last thing your parent has to worry about! Thanks to technology a robot can do all the vacuuming on their behalf and once again sensors will tell the gadget exactly what to do.
Of course, this also means fewer activities that carry a risk of falling.
A Big Change for All Involved
A huge focus when shopping for solutions for older people is to help them retain some independence for as long as possible. Also, if you’re not capable of looking after them 24/7 you need peace of mind that they’re safe and cared for. Luckily, many manufacturers cater for exactly these needs and thanks to modern technology you can get solutions for common challenges.
And if it’s your own house you need to renovate to suit your parents’ needs, don’t fear that it will suddenly look like an old-age home. Simply get yourself leather recliners to match the lift chair and enjoy the convenience of the gadgets that simplify their lives. With a robot vacuum cleaner you’ll never have to clean the floor again either!
So, rather than looking at the situation with apprehension, get excited about the new chapter and all you’ll discover together.
