Deciding to bring a loved one into your home for care is a true expression of love. Your loved one will benefit from being in a familiar place, and you will have peace of mind knowing your loved one is receiving the proper care they deserve.

Preparing your home for your new role as a caretaker is important to ensure the safety of your new house guest. It will also make your job as caregiver much easier.

General safety measures

You should rearrange your home with your loved one's safety in mind. Remove any throw rugs that may become a tripping hazard. If your loved one requires a wheel chair for mobility, you may want to move furniture out of the way to make it easier for them to navigate around the house independently in their wheel chair.

Install battery operated tap-style lights throughout the house. Your loved one can safely reach these lights from a seated position in their wheel chair. This will prevent falls that may occur when your loved one is trying to stand up to reach regular light switches.

If your loved one is able to use the stairs, you should install rubber grip mats on each step for additional safety. Check stair railings to make sure they are secure with no loose fittings.

A safe bathroom

Privacy and being able to maintain independence is important to those who need a caregiver, especially in the bathroom. A walk-in tub is a wonderful investment for a loved one who finds it difficult to get in and out of a traditional tub. Showers can also be fall hazards and are best avoided for those who are unsteady on their feet.

A walk-in tub allows your loved one to sit safe and comfortably while bathing. A walk-in tub will also enable your loved one to maintain some of their independence with bathing and self-care.

Commode rails should be installed to make it easier for your loved one to navigate trips to the bathroom. If your bathroom commode is an older model that sits low, you may want to consider replacing it with a new model that sits higher.

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A fire escape plan

You may already have a fire escape plan for your home. However, the addition of a family member who is wheel-chair bound or limited in their ability to ambulate will require your plan to be revised. You should make plans to practice a safe evacuation plan with your loved one when they arrive.

If in doubt about how to best revise your fire safety plan for your new circumstances, contact your local fire department and ask if someone could assist you in creating a safe escape plan for your home.

A safe home is a happy home. Getting your home ready for your new role as a caretaker will make your job easier, and it will make it less likely for your loved one to sustain a fall or an injury.