Safety at Home: 8 Signs That Your Parents May Be Struggling

Canadians are living longer, and there’s an increased desire among seniors to maintain their independence as they age in place. But, while it’s important to respect their autonomy, when it comes to our parents, we certainly want to ensure that their health and safety at home is not forgotten. The Mayo Clinic recently shared 8 warning signs of health problems with aging parents. This safety guide can gauge how our aging parents are doing, but more importantly, what we can do to help.

Let’s take a look at some of the situations where a Stannah Stairlift may assist you:

1. Are your parents able to take care of themselves?

2. Are your parents experiencing memory loss?

3. Are your parents safe in their home?

The Mayo Clinic suggests looking around your parents’ home, keeping an eye out for any warning signs. For example, do your parents have difficulty navigating a narrow stairway? Has either parent fallen recently? We often hear from worried children, who tell us that their parents are having difficulty navigating the stairs. If that’s the case, it may be time to consider a Stannah stairlift.

4. Are your parents safe on the road?

5. Have your parents lost weight?

6. Are your parents in good spirits?

7. Are your parents still social?

8. Are your parents able to get around?

It is important to recognize both physical and emotional cues from our parents. Do they struggle to maintain their balance? Is knee or hip arthritis making it difficult for them to get around the house? These are important issues, because if your parents are having trouble getting around, they’re probably having difficulty navigating the stairs and could be at risk. However, their emotional well-being is equally important. Are they keeping up with their friends? Are they still finding enjoyment in the activities they love? These conversations can be difficult, but it’s important to understand how your parents are doing and support them the best way that you can. Try developing a plan with your parents to address their mobility issues and, if they’re struggling emotionally, have a conversation about what you can do to help. For the complete list of warning signs, visit the Mayo Clinic site.

If you feel that a stairlift would benefit your parents, you can contact our team, who are happy to provide more information. You can also view our full range of stairlifts.