Whether it’s an ill relative who needs attention for a little while or an ageing parent moving in with you permanently, you should strive to make life happy and comfortable for your elderly guests. To achieve this, consider the following tips.
Make Your House Safe
The first thing you should do is to ensure that your house is safe. Remove anything that can cause them to trip and fall, declutter the spaces they will be using, install grab bars, and place down rugs if you have slippery floors. If they will be staying in an upstairs bedroom, you can consider buying straight stairlifts. Stairlifts can prevent injuries, and they offer great comfort when moving up and down the stairs. If you have pets and little children, ensure the stairlift you choose has safety features to prevent accidents and injuries.
Ask Your Guest for Input
Next, ask your guest about what you can do to make their stay more comfortable and enjoyable. Most people will be hesitant to speak out but will be willing to share if you ask. Ask if there is something you can buy for them and about changes you can make around the house – even having one of their favourite foods can make them feel more welcome.
Bring Some Stuff from Their House
Avoid packing so much stuff, as this will create clutter at the house, make it look disorganised, and increase the risk of accidents. You should only bring along the things your guest can’t do without and what they cherish. Having some of their stuff at your house can make them feel at home. As you pack, don’t forget to ask if there are specific things they would love to bring along, and get their approval for everything you pack. This will keep you from carrying things they don’t love or need.
Don’t Forget Your Exteriors
As you make your house safe, don’t forget to do something to the garden. Your loved one will not spend all their time indoors. They will want to go outside from time to time to relax and get some fresh air. Thus, if your garden is not in order, do some gardening to make the place more serene and attractive. If your guest is unwell, they can recover faster when they spend more time in nature. Keeping your garden in good shape is also beneficial for you and the other family members, especially if you ever need time alone as you get used to your new guest.
Talk to Your Family
Before a loved one moves in, talk to the rest of the family members. Let them know why they will be staying with you, what they can do to make them feel at home, and the adjustments you will be making as a family.
Once your loved one moves in, you can continue to make more adjustments based on their needs. Give them enough attention, but don’t forget about the other people living with you. Do your best to ensure everyone in the household is comfortable and safe. If you have too much on your hands, you can ask for help from family members or hire professionals to assist with some tasks.
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