A walk-in shower can be safer because your parent does not have to step over a high tub wall. It is not the only choice, though. Grab bars and nonslip strips also lower the risk of a fall.
Here is how the main options compare, from the smallest change to the biggest:
– Grab bars and nonslip strips: a low-cost first step for almost any bathroom.
– Shower chair or tub bench: lets your parent sit while washing.
– Tub cut: part of the tub wall is removed to make a lower step in.
– Walk-in shower: the biggest project, with the easiest entry.
When you compare, look for a low or no threshold, a handheld shower head and room for a seat. Ask the installer to mount grab bars firmly. An occupational therapist can also visit and suggest what fits your parent. Watch our video on grab bars for elderly parents to see where they go.
Your parent may be able to live alone safely if they can handle daily tasks or have help with them. The key is whether they can cook, bathe, take medicines and get help in an emergency.
If most answers are yes, small supports may be enough. If several are no, it may be time to add more help. Depression in older adults is sometimes mistaken for normal aging, so mention mood changes to the doctor. Explore ways to keep the home safe or learn about monitoring options for a parent who lives alone.
When your parent refuses to move, you can still lower the risks at home. Listen to why staying home matters so much to them. Then start with the biggest dangers and add help a little at a time.
Pick one or two problems to solve first, such as falls, missed medicines or skipped meals. Simple steps like grocery delivery or a daily check-in call can respect their wishes and still add support.
Frame any help as a way to keep them at home, not to take control. Offer to set up a doctor visit and go along if health or memory is changing. Your Area Agency on Aging can suggest trusted in-home services. The Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 can connect you.
Not sure how to raise it? Our video on how to talk to parents about accepting help offers words to try. Then use the aging in place checklist to plan fixes.
A fall risk assessment is a check of how likely your parent is to fall and why. Their doctor can do one and may suggest a visit from a physical therapist, occupational therapist or nurse.
Falls are common. One in four people 65 and older falls each year, so it is worth asking for a check.
Tell the doctor right away if your parent has fallen, seems unsteady or is afraid of falling. Bring an updated list of their medicines, since some can cause dizziness or drowsiness. The doctor may look at balance, strength and vision, and may suggest a home visit to review safety.
Between visits, have their eyes checked at least once a year. Activities like tai chi build balance and leg strength. For the home side of the check, see our answer on what a home safety assessment covers.
A home safety assessment is a close look at your parent’s home to find things that could cause a fall or injury. An occupational therapist, physical therapist or nurse can do one, often after a doctor’s referral.
The visitor looks at how your parent gets around, then suggests changes that fit. They may check stairs, the bathroom, lighting and how easy it is to reach things.
You can start a simple version on your own:
– Remove throw rugs, cords and clutter from walkways.
– Make sure stairs have secure handrails on both sides.
– Check for grab bars near the toilet and in the tub or shower.
– Leave a night light on in the bathroom.
Write down what you find and share it with the doctor. Our printable aging in place checklist covers every room in more detail.
Aging in place means staying in your own home as you grow older, instead of moving to a care setting. It works well when families plan for it before a lot of care is needed.
In practice, it rests on four things:
– Home: a safe layout with grab bars, good lighting and no loose rugs.
– Help: support with daily tasks such as meals, bathing, rides or bills.
– Health: regular checkups and a plan for changes over time.
– Money: a budget for home changes and paid help, if needed.
A good first step is to walk through the house room by room and note any problems. Fix the urgent dangers first. Our room-by-room aging in place checklist can guide that walk. For the bigger picture, visit our Planning Ahead topic.
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