This is a sponsored guest post.
Having the grandparents over to visit your children is something that is very important for a lot of parents. Being able to interact with and learn from your parents is something that you want your children to be able to experience. But, your parents aren’t the same as they used to be.
It might be difficult for them to get around the same as they used to. Maybe they need an assistance getting up and down the stairs. Or they can’t walk as far as they used to without having to sit down. Whatever the reason, if you still want the grandparents to be able to see your children, there are some things you can do to make your house more accessible.
Let’s go over the top three, being open to looking further to make sure you’ve covered every area.
1. Stair Lifts
The most popular accessibility enhancer that people install in their homes are stair lifts. This is especially good for those who have two or more floors in their home. But, even if you have a single floor home, lifts can be good to get your parents from one part of the house to another without straining them too much.
You could go for more commercial brands when looking for stair lifts, but your best bet it going directly to the source. On websites like jamesonmedical.com, you can find medical grade stair lifts. These are the lifts that hospitals and medical practices use. The quality is practically guaranteed.
2. No Carpets
Carpets are a no go, especially if your parents use a wheelchair. There’s nothing more annoying than having to wheel them across a carpeted floor just to hang out with your kids. Plus, carpets are generally not pleasant if anything unpleasant happens.
If your parents (or your kids for that matter) get sick, the carpet will soak up all the bacteria and hold onto it. That’s not something that you want in your house of course. It’s not just wheelchairs and unpleasantness that you need to watch out for with carpet, walkers are also a huge hassle. Though most have tennis balls or other cushiony things on the bottom, they are still extremely difficult to use on carpet.
To avoid the hassle, go with wood, vinyl, or smooth tile floors. Anything smooth is better than carpet.
3. Grab Bars
These are going to be really useful in bathroom situations. Not just for your parents, your kids could benefit from them too. It makes it easier for them to lower themselves onto the toiler, into the bathtub, etc. The grab bar could even mean the difference between making it to the bathroom or having an accident in a wheelchair.
Grab bars aren’t just limited to bathrooms though. If you have long hallways, you can install grab bars to make it easier for your parents to get from one part of the house to another. The grab bars are also helpful for when your young children are learning how to walk.
4. User Friendly Knobs
For those of you who have parents in wheelchairs, think about making your doorknobs user friendly. It might seem weird if they don’t come often, but it is definitely worth it. It makes it easier for them to navigate your home. These devices help people open doors who don’t have great grip or hand strength.
The user friendly knobs are also good for your children as they are growing up. These are easy to install.
The best part of having your parents spend time with your kids is the lessons that are transmitted both ways. Making your home a safe haven for all family members is important – so consider these details when caring for aging parents.
