So your parents are coming to your city and staying with you for some time. You’re probably looking forward to the family fun, bonding, and good times.
However, you certainly have a lot of work to do too! Your parents are probably at that point in their lives when they have rigid routines and some specific needs. They may also be getting on in age, so their surroundings must be safe and convenient.
If you’re in a city like Charlotte, North Carolina, entertaining your parents shouldn’t be a problem. The terrain is relatively easy to walk, with flat lands and rolling hills. Your parents may also enjoy the beautiful greenery, which includes tree-lined streets, parks, forests, and so on. Moreover, the mild winters and hot summers are suitable for all ages.
So, are you wondering how to make your folks’ stay enjoyable and comfortable? These tips might help to spruce up the place before you start working on that welcome basket:
1. Clear out the Drains
Charlotte might be an increasingly walkable city, but there are still gentle slopes everywhere. As you move towards the city’s outskirts, the topography gets even more irregular. Along with this being a walking issue, the slopes also mean a choppy drainage system.
We also have to consider that some builders in the city haven’t set up good drainage systems in every area. As a result, water might flow to the lowest spots in your home, backyard, and garden. These can be hazards in more ways than one; an elderly person might fall, or the water may attract harmful mosquitos, bacteria, etc.
It would be best to contact experts for drain cleaning in Charlotte so that they can unclog the drains and deal with any other sewerage issues, which can cause unpleasant odors and cause damage that can be costly to repair. Call in the pros some days before your parents arrive; you don’t want them to deal with inconvenient water issues.
2. Refresh their Room
Ideally, your parents should get a whole room to themselves. It’s especially important if they’re elderly, as sleeping on a couch or daybed won’t be good for their health.
Before your parents get here, wash all the bedding they will use. Scrub hard to get all the stains out. Discard or remove any bed linen that has stubborn stains or looks old.
If you really want to make things comfortable, see if it’s possible to iron the bed linen before spreading it out. There’s nothing like slipping into cool, smooth sheets after a tiring day!
Moreover, set out the guest towels and washcloths. These should be in an accessible place for your parents. Inspect the bathroom thoroughly to see if anything needs repairing. If required, put in an accessible storage shelf or at least some towel hooks.
3. Upgrade Your Safety Features
When you have an elder at home, it’s important to cater to their needs. There are studies that show how falls are the most common cause of injury for elderly folks at home.
Before the folks get here, conduct a safety inspection of your home. The following safety concerns need immediate attention due to your parents staying over:
- Tame the extension cords and cables lying around the house.
- Add bathroom safety features such as a tub transfer, shower bench, hand railings, etc.
- Consider an upgrade to a walk-in tub.
- Proper lighting on the stairs; you can also install lighting with minions sensors under the stairs or have a handrail that lights up.
- Add grip tape to the stairs and handrails.
- Consider a stair-assist chair if your parents are moving in for good and can’t use stairs.
- Install extra handrails to the stairways, hallway, bathroom, and any other place where they can be handy for an elder.
- Consider a bed rail in case your parents have trouble getting in or out of their bed.
- Put books, side tables, and hooks within easy reach according to your parents’ height and flexibility.
4. Consider Flooring Changes
Do your parents have balance issues? Perhaps they drag their feet or need a walking stick to get around. You must be careful about high-pile carpets, loose rugs, uneven planks, and slippery tiles. Any of these can be a tripping or slipping hazard for elderly parents and other family members.
You may be unable to change your whole flooring just for your parents’ visit. However, there are steps you can take to avoid the fall risk:
- Replace high-pile carpets and rugs with low-pile ones or remove them if viable
- Review slip ratings of tile, laminate, and hardwood flooring
- Pay close attention to high-traffic areas in your home; make them as clear and safe as possible
- Consider swapping your patterned rugs and carpets for solid colors; your parents may have poor vision and be more likely to trip on patterned flooring
- Glue or sew non-slip pads underneath area rugs and bathroom rugs; grip tape and gripping gel are also good options
5. Put in a Security System
Even if you live in a relatively safe area, older adults in a household might draw attention from the wrong people. Everyone in the neighborhood might be aware that only your elderly parents are home while you’re out at work. This might tempt someone to break in.
Moreover, you may also need to monitor your parents while at work. It’s even more important if they have a new caretaker or are weak and ill. With a good security system, you will be able to check the cameras on your smartphone or computer. Other options include:
- A smart door lock
- Motion detectors
- Medical alert systems
- Entry/exit alerts
These safety features will allow you to stay aware of your parents’ well-being in your home. If they have memory issues like Alzheimer’s, they are likely to wander outdoors and get lost. Even basic motion sensors can go a long way in preventing such issues. Don’t be afraid of investing in these features; they can potentially save your parents’ lives or prevent serious injuries.
Your home’s market value may also increase due to enhanced safety features, so it’s a win-win for everyone.
Conclusion
Making your parents feel welcome is a gesture they’ll never forget, so everything you do now will be worth it when they arrive. Cleaning your home, making sure it’s safe, and the other tips above will help you kickstart this noble task. It might also be fun to plan some outings while the folks are here. You’ll make new memories together, and they’ll have an unforgettable trip! Why not start cleaning and planning right away?
