35 Adaptations and Accommodations for Aging Parents
- Trouble bathing - is likely due to fear of falling, usually takes many accommodations to overcome.
- Make sure dinner plate has sharp contrast against table or placemat-like white plate on red mat, less mess 'cause can see edge.
- Heavier silverware great for shaky hands, plates too.
- Arthritis- use utensils with very large round handles, fork/etc.
too. - Have bottles of eye cleaner & cloth in several places, more apt to clean glasses.
- Keep peanuts, M&Ms, etc.
in a easy sealed container that flips open, prevents spills of bags & keeps fresh. - For pets, consider adding large dry food self-supply or feed container.
Pet won't go hungry if reg food is delayed.
Do this w/ water too. - With permanent marker, date all groceries when unloading - helps prevent spoilage.
- Taste decreases w/age & cope with sweet or salty - try to find healthier foods, try Mrs.
Dash variety on foods, etc. - Smell decreases w/ age - have smoke detectors throughout house, change battery yearly on a holiday.
- Good shoes are essential for safety but make sure they fit right - have a store measure, size can change and toe needs.
- Smell & taste decreases with age - so doesn't know when food is bad.
- Body produces less Melatonin, needed for good sleep, as we age.
May want to supplement. - Elder nail care: have someone come in bi-wkly to care for feet & hands.
Pay a PCA, friend, other.
Prevents possible problems. - Have fad.
meals created by a local person twice a week & delivered-you pay bill.
Helps the elder a lot. - Think about simple security system for house but also has 'panic' button.
- If bedroom on 2nd floor, now have 'bank' like tubes elevators.
Cheaper and can use if no power. - Remodel kitchen: think of drawers for all lower cabinets=easier to see items, easy to use w/o bending or if using walker or wheelchair.
- Remodel kitchen: get frig that has water and ice through the door=easier to get, may increase drinking, saves $.
- Remodel kitchen: switch from gas to electric stove for safety - sleeves get in flames, used for heat is stopped, no pilot light so no gas, etc.
- Remodel kitchen: purchase stove that has knobs on front=no reaching across hot burners or pots to use knobs, also easy access if sitting or in wheelchair.
- Consider having a stool on wheels in kitchen so user can sit and get around while cooking without standing.
Is big help. - Kitchen: get hands free hand cleaner dispenser
- Kitchen: use scrubber that also holds the dish liquid
- Kitchen: use smaller waste basket, may even be on counter or stool for height=easy reach, easy clean, empty often.
Use grocery bag as liner=easy throw to large garbage can. - Pets: automatic, self-cleaning litter box=great for the cat, less smell, healthier, etc.
- Bathroom: automatictoilet bowl cleaner=cleaner & less work
- Kitchen: quality stainless steel 18/10 non-stick pot/pans = less work to clean, even burned on food, steel is better for body instead of aluminum cookware
- Can't attend church: have church tape (many do) sermon and mail free to aging parent to listen & keep.
This helps many folks in so many ways. - Got a parent who wants their hair done weekly but you don't have the time?Have a beautician that will come to the house - many do.
Ask at Sr.
Ctr. - Power outage = instead of trying to find a shelter or wait for help or power to go back on, install an on-demand generator to operate the entire house
- Church - many churches offer shuttle service to/from church.
Call to find out which do near your parent. - Groceries delivered to the door is now possible from some small stores - call and see if possible on a regular basis or for periodic items run out of
- Food - check with local catering business if possible to have some meals of left over's, when avail.
, & dropped at parent's home.
Usually low cost & good fresh food. - Food - local high school or college culinary arts class may love having foods prepared in class go to aging senior for low cost.
Call and find out.
