Nursing Home Relocation Checklist
Oftentimes, moving an elderly relative into an assisted living situation or into a nursing home won't be appropriate for any number of reasons. If you are contemplating moving an elderly relative into your home or relocating your relative to a new home, part of your decision will be whether or not the new environment can accommodate the needs of an elderly person. It is particularly important to plan for a future that may include sudden, temporary or permanent disability. It is also important to remember that an elderly person needs to maintain as much independence as possible. Therefore, pay attention to things like access to the outdoors, the kitchen and the bathroom. Use the following checklist to help you choose a new environment, or if you are planning to add an in-law apartment to your home, use the following checklist for guidance. The more times you find yourself answering "no" to a question, the less likely the space will be appropriate without modifications. Does the space have ramp access to at least one door? Will adding a ramp to one of the doors be feasible? Is there a covered entry where your relative could wait for transportation? Is the space in the Vicinity of senior programs, shopping, medical offices, hospitals and pharmacies? Is the space single level? (Sunken spaces and single stairs are tripping hazards.) If the space has a staircase, will installing a stair lift be feasible? Is the flooring the same throughout the house? (Alternating flooring is a tripping hazard) Will a wheelchair fit through the doorways? Does the space have an emergency pull cord or button in the bathroom and bedroom, or adequate telephone jacks so your relative can notify someone if she falls or becomes incapacitated? Is there a well-lit comfortable room with a television or other form of entertainment where your relative will be able to spend the majority of the day? Is there access to a place to sit outdoors that does not require going up or down the stairs, for example a deck or balcony? Do the doors, drawer handles and faucets have levers? (Arthritis makes it difficult to turn round knobs) Do the toilet have "grab bars"? Is there room in the bathroom for someone to assist your relative on and off of the toilet? Is there a shower that does not have a tub that has to be stepped into? If your relative were in a wheelchair, could she use the sink? Does the bathroom door swing out? (A high percentage of injuries occur in the bathroom, where people are prone to collapse against the door.) Can you modify the bathroom door to swing out? If your relative were in a wheelchair, could she use the counters in the kitchen? Is there an electric stove? (Open flames are more likely to ignite clothing.) Are the stove controls in the front? (Reaching over a heat source is a burning hazard.) Is there a microwave? Could your relative use the microwave and other appliances without lifting things over her head? (Lifting hot liquids over the head is a scalding hazard.) Is there a side-by-side refrigerator? (Reaching over the head becomes more difficult with age.) If you have any questions regarding any of the above, please contact us at 678-593-3000 or email info@ausbandlaw.com . Back to Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
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