Tips for a visit by an elderly parent

Expecting a visit from an elderly parent? Wondering how to prepare?

Here are a few suggestions to consider, as needed, depending on their specific needs:

Fall prevention – remove loose rugs that might be a tripping hazard, clear main hallways and staircases, and obtain a walker (a rollator walker with a seat can be very helpful)
Bathroom safety – install a raised toilet seat and/or shower grab bar, arrange for a shower chair, have a short and clear path to the bathroom, and consider a bedside urinal or commode
Sitting down – for ease of sitting down and getting up, designate chairs with arms for seated activities, such as dining or watching TV, or for getting dressed after showering
Diminishing eyesight – make sure that remote controls and other buttons or instructions have large font sizes or are marked with contrasting bright colors
Climbing stairs – if climbing stairs becomes unfeasible or unsafe, consider using a separate section of the main floor, a chairlift (mounted on a staircase), or an elevator (see Staircase Alternatives – https://www.desidaughters.com/uncategorized/staircare-alternatives/)