When visiting your older loved ones, you have an opportunity not only to connect, but also to gently observe their well-being and living environment. Subtle signs of cognitive decline can sometimes go unnoticed, making it all the more important to ensure their home is as safe and supportive as possible. Thoughtful adjustments around the house can significantly reduce the risk of falls and accidents, which are common events that often mark the beginning of more serious health challenges in older adults.
Gifts That Assist
The holiday season is fast approaching, and many adult children will be returning home to spend time with their families. This is a wonderful opportunity to check in on how your parents are doing and explore ways to support them, especially if you live far away.
When a parent requires assistance with daily activities, it can be challenging for family members who don’t live nearby to provide the help they need—particularly when mobility issues or falls are a concern. You can’t help if you’re unaware of a fall or an emergency.
Fortunately, technology offers several solutions to help monitor your parents’ safety from a distance. Devices are available that can detect falls, notify family members, and even call for assistance. Strategically placed cameras will ensure safety and security. Even items that you may not consider “safety devices” can offer significant peace of mind. Consider products like coffee pots and tea kettles that automatically shut off to prevent burns and accidents, or sturdy, non-slip rugs that provide extra traction and reduce the risk of tripping.
At times, parents may hesitate to accept these devices if approached directly. However, the holidays may create a softer environment for these conversations. Presenting a safety device as a thoughtful gift can reframe the situation in a positive way. You could say something like, “I want to make sure you’re safe, Mom. This way, if anything happens, I’ll know quickly and can help.”
A simple Google search for “Home Safety Products for Elderly” will give you a variety of options. You can also explore SeniorSafetyReviews.com for a list of recommended products. You might be surprised by the range of technology and services available to keep seniors safe and secure at home.
Take the opportunity this holiday season to ensure your parents have the support they need. Their safety and your peace of mind are invaluable gifts.
The Christmas Safety Sweep
Falls are one of the leading causes of hospitalizations for seniors, and injuries such as broken hips or head trauma can be life-threatening. Even when these injuries are not fatal, they often require extended rehabilitation to recover physically and mentally.
Seniors may not always share concerns about their safety, such as using a chair to reach high places or feeling unsteady on the stairs. While visiting during the holiday season, you have a great opportunity to assess the safety of your parents’ home and observe how they move around. Pay attention to how easily they navigate within their living space:
- Do they need help standing up from a chair?
- Do they seem to teeter from side to side while walking?
- Do they shuffle their feet when they walk?
- Do they struggle to lift their feet to step onto higher surfaces?
- Do they appear to have balance issues?
If you find that you’re answering “yes” to any of these questions, trouble is ahead.
The types of surfaces your parents walk on are key to their safety. Many families report that rugs without rubber pads underneath or thick carpeting on stairs can be dangerous. In general, stairs are risky, but particularly for anyone who is unsteady on their feet or dealing with balance problems. Installing strategically placed grab bars in key areas, such as near stairs or in the bathroom, can make a significant difference.
It’s also common for seniors to use chairs to reach higher places around the house, sometimes choosing chairs with wheels. To prevent accidents, consider providing a lightweight three-step stool with a sturdy grab bar at the top, and place one on each floor of the home for added safety.
Finally, take a look at the main entryway to the house. Can you improve the lighting? Are there uneven surfaces, or tree roots breaking through the pavement? Are any stairs or railings loose or unsteady? If the layout is unsafe, encourage your parents to invest in making their entryway more secure. This proactive approach can help prevent accidents and offer peace of mind for both you and them.
A Google search will show you many options for equipment to make a home more accessible, for example: 101Mobility.com offers helpful information about home safety upgrades.
Forgetfulness or Dementia?
Hosting the family for Thanksgiving and Christmas is a cherished tradition for many parents. It’s a big job, with many moving parts that require careful planning and coordination. During the hustle and bustle of the holidays, you might notice that your mom is having trouble recalling certain names, remembering a recent event, or finding the right words in conversation. She might seem a bit confused when multiple people are talking to her at once. These signs can be part of mild cognitive impairment, which is not uncommon in seniors and often considered a normal part of aging. It’s important to remember that mild cognitive impairment does not necessarily indicate dementia.
Dementia is not a typical aspect of aging. It is a serious condition that involves cognitive decline and usually develops gradually. As adult children, we should be concerned if familiar tasks start to seem unfamiliar to a parent, if they have difficulty performing everyday activities, struggle to follow directions, face challenges making simple decisions, or encounter language processing issues that affect their ability to communicate.
It’s also important to watch for changes in a parent’s personality or mood. If they seem unusually irritable, suspicious of others, or exhibit other noticeable, sudden, or drastic shifts in behavior, it’s time to take note. If you observe any of these signs, it’s a good idea to bring them to your parent’s doctor’s attention. Early intervention and guidance from a healthcare professional can make a significant difference.
For more information on memory and forgetfulness, visit the National Institute of Aging website.
