by Laurie Kaiser

Created on: March 22, 2009

When asked about their housing preferences, most senior citizens say they wish to remain in their own homes, according to the US Administration on Aging. Their homes represent security and independence.

As much as their children might cringe about the prospect, elderly parents have the right to live independently as long as they are deemed competent. Until a professional (usually a doctor) determines self-neglect-that is, behavior threatening his or her health or safety-an elderly person retains the right to remain at home.

So what can you do to protect an aging parent without making him or her feel less independent?

1) Make sure your parent's dwelling includes age-appropriate accommodations. Install grab bars in the bathroom. Purchase a tub or shower seat. Install a hand-held shower head and comfort-height toilet. Ascertain that surfaces are not slippery. If your parent has trouble getting out of bed, offer to install bed rails.

2) Keep the house clean and de-cluttered. If family members are unable or unwilling to do this, consider giving the gift of professional cleaning services. De-cluttering helps prevent falls, a leading cause of death among the elderly.

3) Invest in a medical alert system. It's a relatively inexpensive way to give elderly parents peace of mind, knowing they can receive help with the press of a portable button. The system connects to the telephone line, and the remote-control button can be worn around the neck, pinned to a shirt or carried in a pocket.

4) Encourage your parent to remain active. Inactivity leads to further physical and mental decline. Local senior centers often offer free exercise classes, along with a slate of other activities. If your parent experiences difficulty with balance and mobility, offer to make an appointment with a physical therapist. The therapist will likely suggest your parent use a walker.

5) If your parent doesn't drive (and you prefer not to chauffeur), note that many municipalities offer free transportation for the elderly. Completely accessible, these vehicles provide transportation to grocery stores and medical appointments. Offer to make first-time arrangements.

6) Assist with medications, if necessary. Purchase a pill box with compartments marked with the days of the week. Help your parent fill the compartments with appropriate medications.

7) Monitor nutrition. If you believe your elderly parent is not eating properly, as an act of kindness, stock the freezer with meals you have prepared. Simply cook an extra portion when you make your own meals (provided they meet dietary restrictions). Or suggest home-delivered meals. Call your local senior center or Elder Services for information on receiving these low-cost, nutritionally balanced meals.

If you and your parent would mutually like to live closer together, consider the possibility of adding an in-law apartment to your home. This allows independent living with a measure of security. Oftentimes, parents happily pay for this addition, and both parties enjoy the peace of mind this arrangement offers.

If your parent requires more attention than you can provide, consider hiring a professional to assist with personal care and medications. Contact your local Visiting Nurse Association for more information.

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