Raising Parents

Before you suggest that you Mom or Dad come live with you it is important to think about several things.  These are:

• Physical Layout
• Time Sinks
• Family Activities
• Pets

Before we dive into this, I have to say that each of these will depend upon the physical situation of your loved one. I my case, when Dad came to live with me he was still independent and driving with no issues related to memory or physical limitations.  Remember many of the things posted on this blog are things that I saw during my voyage bringing up a parent and may or may not apply to you.

Physical Layout

Look around at your house and yard.  Ask the following:

• Are there tripping hazards?
• Are there handrails for the walkways?
• How are the steps going affect acces?
• Are there visability issues?

Tripping hazards and handrails are two most important things to consider.  It seems to me that as we age, gravity challenges us more  and more.  The older we get the more gravity pulls on us which is why it is important to eliminate tripping hazards and to make sure that all steps have strong handrails.