Consider making adjustments in order to prevent an accident. Use the list below to give you an idea of preventative actions you can make in your parents home.

1. Remove any tripping hazards from the pathways.
Other than obvious ones, check loose rugs that could easily come up. Don’t just start removing rugs, there are other solutions such as grip pads or rug tape that will keep them down. Consider adding small automated night lights to help in the dark. Small solutions like this are also a good way to start easing your parents into home safety.

2. Go over the bathroom.
Most falls occur in and around the bathroom, go through your parents routine and look for potential dangers. Check for tripping hazards and ensure it’s well lit, you may want to evaluate if grab bars are necessary. If your parent’s shower curtain is looking out of sorts, this may be a sign they’ve been using it to assist them. Give the water heater a check, and be sure there is a bath mat in the tub.

3. Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors.
This may seem simple and obvious, but these are so vital and often overlooked. I know a family who lost their mom from carbon monoxide poisoning from leaving the car running in the garage. Accidents like this are horrible, so be sure you have working, up to date detectors in every room including the garage.

4. Review the kitchen.
Confirm appliances are all in good working order and your parents can safely operate them. Ask if there’s anything your parents are frequently reaching for on higher shelves that could be moved to a lower, safer spot to avoid falls. If there are spills on the counter or floor, this could be a sign their eyesight may need to be checked.

5. Consider an Alexa
Those “senior alert” devices can feel very, seniory. Alexa, on the other hand, can impress the grandchildren. By placing echo dots around the house your parents can call out to Alexa to call 911 or you or anyone if they fall down. But overall, you can approach the Alexa as a cool device they can ask about the weather, or play music, etc.

While you’re getting your parents on track, why not start on their paperwork? Read Organizing Your Parents Paperwork Now >