Sometimes, we reach a point in our lives where we have to welcome elderly relatives into our home, receding back to an atmosphere of parents living with kids once more.

Except this time, it is going to be different. If you are considering inviting your elderly parents to live with you in your twilight years, it’s not going to be the same as when you lived with them the first time round – especially if you’re their registered carer.

You’re going to have to make some adjustments to your house, home and garden in order to make your home safe for elderly relatives to live in. After all, you wouldn’t want to be on the wrong end of the law with a Tacoma Elder Law Attorney breathing down your neck, you’re going to want to keep on top of keeping them safe.

Here are just a few things you can do.

Install a Stairlift

This should be your first port of call when you have an elderly relative moving in with you. As we get older our bodies break down, making it increasingly difficult to go about our daily lives. Navigating stairs and steps is one of those things that once seemed so easier and eventually become one of the most difficult activities to partake in.

There are plenty of options when it comes to installing a stairlift, and plenty of companies to choose from to install them. Shopping local is a great way to keep costs down and support the people in your community. Or you can go online and shop around – but this may take longer.

Have Essentials Within Reach

Elderly people are 6 times more likely to suffer a serious injury from a fall, and you know what causes falls? Stretching out of their reach for every day things.

This may be a little trickier if you have young children around who need protecting from a few of these every day things so take that into account when you’re rearranging things like cooking equipment and utensils, cleaning supplies and bathing accessories.

Of course, there are gadgets you can use to stop the kids while making things easy for any elderly relatives that are going to be living with you. Things like childproof locks for cabinets and child proof lids on cleaning supplies.

Come Up with an Emergency Plan

If an elderly person is moving into your home, it’s going to be a bit strange for them at first. Even if they’ve visited before, navigating a house they know nothing about as though they live there will be a entirely new concept to them.

When they first move in, establish which of the neighbours are allies and who is the best to go to in case of emergency when it requires other people’s assistance. Keep a folder with all contact numbers of the relevant people and have it somewhere easy to reach.

Of course, the best way to prepare a house for an elderly resident is to talk to them about their individual needs and wants and work together to come up with the ideal adjustments to make the place safe and comfortable.