Show Parents You Care - Improve Safety and Comfort at Home

By Penny Spark, Slate Ltd.

PASADENA, CA, JUNE 20, 2018 - June means Father’s Day, picnics, pool parties, weddings, family reunions, graduations, vacations, outdoor concerts, and more. There’s never been a better time to inventory surroundings to ensure a safe, comfortable, and inviting space for aging parents and guests – whether they’re just stopping by or settling in for good.

Aging adults, particularly those with dementia, tend to struggle with ambulation, depth perception, memory, balance, coordination and vision and hearing loss. This can sometimes lead to altered perceptions that make small design elements seem bewildering and disorienting. But a few low-cost home modifications can dramatically enhance ease, comfort and independence. When hosting aging parents, keep visual elements simple. Remove everyday clutter, add visual clues and incorporate low-glare lighting to improve visibility while minimizing shadows. Summer is also the ideal time to inspect premises and handle those small yet critical repairs. Fix cracks in the pavement and adjust uneven walkways or bricks.

For longer stays, repaint rooms in a light solid color to provide a calmer and more relaxing atmosphere and widen doorways to accommodate wheelchairs. You can also opt to install temperature-controlled water faucets, roll-in showers, grab bars and handrails, raised toilets, and low easy-to-reach cabinetry. Consider installing new technology to keep loved ones safe. This can provide immense peace of mind when caring for parents who are aging in place or residing in a granny flat on premises. For example, automatic lighting with sensors illuminate pathways, while convenience features can automatically turn stoves and appliances off when they’re not in use for a specified period of time. Motion sensors and alarms further mitigate the risk associated with wandering.

To learn more about this topic, the latest in reverse mortgages, home modifications to keep seniors safe in their own home, and best practices for getting on time, in budget results when working with home improvement contractors plus other strategies and benefits for homeowners 62+ who want to stay in their own home, attend a free upcoming workshop at Vroman’s Atrium, June 28th, 4:45 -7:15pm at 709 East Colorado Blvd, Suite 120, Pasadena. Admission and parking are free.

Please RSVP to (626) 355-3200 or CustomerCare@SlateLtd.com