"Safety First” for Your Aging Parents
Alzheimer’s is a serious disease that affects 4.5 million people per year in the United States, and nearly 14,000 in metropolitan Indianapolis. It is said that by 2010 this disease is going to affect over 5.5 million people. For many families, this presents numerous challenges, not the least of which is a concern for their safety. Recent research shows that an educated family member will help those with the disease to stay at home safely a year an a half longer than if they were being cared for by an uneducated caregiver.
Locally, this is the mission of Sollievo, a services network for families caring for an aging parent. They provide education and strategies to family members who are caring for a parent with Alzheimer’s disease. Sollievo, which means “relief” in Italian, is a new division of Alzheimer’s Care Group and offers strategies needed to care for a person with Alzheimer’s so that the whole family can live well together. Sollievo provides strategies by accessing its network of trained resources who are experts at providing home services and advice. In this network of providers are financial planners, lawyers, home health agencies, and handymen, etc. CREW Property Improvement Specialists is one of the expert providers.
Sollievo has partnered with Eric Schneller, President of CREW Property Improvement Specialists, a remodeling and property improvement company. Eric and his team of skilled and multi-talented craftsmen pride themselves on being experts in safe living areas who can solve almost any maintenance or remodeling challenge.
His top 10 tips for better mobility around the home include:
- Installing permanent or portable ramps, and handrails for both ramps and steps
- Widening doorways
- Installing swing-clear hinges on doors
- Removing area rugs from the home that could cause falling
- Removing potted plants and decorations on the ground/floor that might not easily be seen by aging eyes
- Installing night-lights in hallways, bathrooms, and other high-traffic areas
- Installing grab bars in the shower and around the toilet
- Installing Shower seats or transfer benches
- Installing a keyed shut- off switch for range tops, ovens, and other electrical appliances (installed inside kitchen cabinet)
- Installing a single-lever faucet in the kitchen (be sure that the water temperature is set correctly)
Eric advises also that the stairways are important considerations. Make it easy to move up and down stairs by:
- Installing handrails on both sides for support
- Attaching a glide-in-track mounted seat to one side of the stairs
- Placing reflective nonskid rubber strips on edge of steps
- Installing stair lights for easy visibility
Eric believes that with these minor changes to your home you can create a safe and stress-free environment for both you and your parent(s). If you are caring for an aging parent, and would like to find out more about safety in your home, contact Eric Schneller at (317) 731-1000 or via www.crewspecialists.com. For information on Sollievo and it