There comes a time in most people’s lives where they just aren’t able to do the things they once did and are not able to even keep up with many of the tasks required of them for maintaining a safe quality of life. You have found that your aging parents are not taking their medicine on time and by the dishes stacked in their sink, you are not sure whether they are even eating regularly. It’s time to bring mom and dad home, but it may mean making some changes in your household. It’s something you always knew would be necessary, and the day is here.
Begin with Safety in Mind
The very first thing you will want to do is take a realistic look at floorplans in the common areas. If your parents have any issues with mobility, however slight, you will want to ensure that there are no obstacles in their path. This includes things like kids’ toys, obviously, but other things that have never been a problem for you. What about that recliner that juts out a little too far into a walkway or those throw rugs that keep curling up at the edge? Anything that could cause them to trip should be either removed altogether or at least relocated in an area where they aren’t likely to trip over them.
Next, Take a Good, Hard Look at Their Bedroom
Thankfully, you have the guest room available for them to move into so that is not a problem. What may be an issue, however, is the bed frame under those lovely mattresses. You bought them at a discount when you bought a set for your room and although they are top-of-the-line, not so much the bed frame. It is one of those inexpensive (dare we say cheap?) metal frames that can be adjusted to various sizes. Since you don’t use that extra bedroom often, it has never been an issue. Perhaps it’s time to consider a double bed frame that is much sturdier and maybe one that is a whole lot more stylish.
A Welcoming Place for Family Meals
Your current dining table setup has places for four and you have always just added a couple of folding chairs when you had company over to dinner. It’s large enough to accommodate six settings, but it’s not something you’ve ever really needed to look into. Perhaps it’s time to shop for a dining chairs set of 6 so that your parents won’t be made to feel like they are just ‘extras’ you’ve taken in. Believe it or not, that is something many elderly parents would think when looking at a table with matching chairs except for the two added to give them a place to join in family meals.
While there are things you can do to make it safe and comfortable and safe for your aging parents to join your household, don’t forget to talk to the kids about grandma and grandpa coming to live with you. It is something that needs to be discussed, even though they love their grandparents. Loving them and making life comfortable for them are two different things. By taking the time to prepare everything, the transition should be made easier for all involved.