One of the most challenging but memorable things you may ever do is raise children. However, as you reach an age when you’re ready to have children, it’s easy to forget that your parents are aging at the same pace. Sometimes, that can mean you’re caring for your parents and children simultaneously.
As you can’t be with them at all times of the day and night, putting measures in place to keep your parents safe while they still live in their own home can be crucial for their safety and your peace of mind. It may be worth considering any of these options below.
Medical Alert Systems
When you compare medical alert systems Canada has to offer, you’ll see there are several standout options to suit your parents’ unique needs. Many medical alert systems are designed to provide help at the push of a button and come with excellent features like fall detection, two-way voice communication, and a follow-up function to ensure help has arrived.
If one of your parents lives alone, such a system can provide you and them with assurance that they can access the help they need no matter where they are in the house.
Keep in Regular Contact
When you’re a busy mum taking care of your family, running errands, and working, it’s easy to forget to check in with your loved ones. You might even take it for granted that they’ll just call you if they need something.
However, if one of your parents lives alone, you may see the value in making contact with them at around the same time each day to make sure they’re safe. They may have a medical alert system to assist, but a simple phone call lets you hear their voice and know they aren’t in any danger.
Remove Household Hazards
One in four older adults in the U.S. will fall every year, and falls are the leading cause of injury and death in the 65+ age group. You may never be able to prevent your parent from falling, but you may be able to reduce the risk by removing hazards from their home.
Many house changes may make a difference to their safety, such as non-slip wax on their flooring, removing throw rugs, non-slip strips in the shower, and non-skid treads on stairs. The addition of handles in bathrooms and a raised toilet seat may also be of value.
Encourage Home Help
If your parents are eligible for home help, or even if they’re not, encourage this service for their safety and comfort. Home help businesses can provide a wide range of services, from basic cleaning to shower assistance, meal preparation, and more.
While you likely stop in to help when you can, knowing that a professional service is lending a hand can relieve some of the pressure.
Talk to Their Neighbors
If you don’t live near enough to your parents to check in on them often, see if you can talk to their neighbors about keeping an eye on them. They don’t have to actively assist but contacting you if they notice anything out of the ordinary can allow you to stay on top of their wellbeing if anything changes.
Caring for your parents while also caring for your children can be a lot to manage, but there are small changes you can make to ensure life is easier and safer for all. Consider investing in medical alert systems, making your parents’ home safer, and staying in regular contact.
Image by Sabine van Erp from Pixabay
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