If you have a loved one who is getting on in years, you may be considering having them move in with you, especially if they are having trouble with mobility or cognitive issues. It can be an overwhelming process, however, and it comes with many things to think about. Keeping your loved one healthy, happy, and safe is a big job, and you may need help. It might also be necessary to make some changes to your home to ensure that your loved one is comfortable.

Here are some of the best ways to make sure the senior in your life is well taken care of.

Talk to their doctor

If your loved one has a lot of health issues, it may be necessary to talk to their doctor before making any decisions. You’ll want to be informed regarding their medications, appointments, and any machinery they may need to keep up their daily health. Make an appointment with your loved one so you can both sit down with their doctor and talk about what needs you’ll need to help meet.

Make some changes

Take a look at your home and assess what changes need to be made for your loved one to be comfortable and safe. Look room by room to seek out possible hazards; for instance, the kitchen should be well organized with clear labels on each shelf and the cleaning supplies kept well away from the food. Bathrooms should be equipped with grab bars in the shower, non-slip rubber mats, and you might consider installing an elevated toilet or padded seat. Lighting should be added to hallways, closets, and living areas, and rugs should be tacked down or taken up completely to prevent falls.

Consider their needs

If your loved one does have health issues that require a lot of attention, medicine, or machinery, think about how that will affect everyone’s daily life. Anything electrical will affect your utility bills and will need a backup generator in the event of a power outage. Outside of the physical, your loved one may require their own belongings and mementos to help them feel comfortable in their new living situation. If they suffer from Alzheimer’s, having familiar things around may help them recover memories.

Help them stay social

Maintaining an active social life is an important part of senior years, so help your loved one find friends and get out of the house. They might be interested in joining a gardening club or even an exercise club that meets a few times a week. Walking in the park or taking a water aerobics class can help them stay active and vital.

Consider daily care

Depending on your job, you may have trouble taking time off to take care of your loved one, so it’s important to consider finding a home healthcare aid to come in on certain days and help you. These professionals can assist you with household chores like laundry as well as help administer medication and perform daily tasks like bathing and feeding your loved one should they become infirm.

Moving a senior into your home is a big decision and comes with many things to think about, so do some research before making anything final. Consult your loved one to find out their needs and keep communication open with your family so that everyone is on the same page, as it can be difficult to maintain a healthy atmosphere if someone feels that they are left out on the decision making.