While we, as parents, take it for granted that we must make safety for our children a priority, we sometimes resent the changes to our homes when a parent comes to live with us.  Perhaps they’re ill, have arthritis, have failing eyesight, are developing Alzheimer’s as my mom did, or simply need the comfort of a family nearby.
However, some of the ways we live may have to be modified to accommodate an older family member.  Often these include some of the same safety guides we use for children. 

Ramps instead of stairs
Gates in front of stairs to prevent nighttime wandering
Lights that …read more

I took a look around our house today and realised that there are lots of potential danger zones that will need to be childproofed. Alison has been well-drilled in the importance of safety but with the new baby on the way, those sharp corners, dangling blind pulls and glass snowglobes are starting to look just a bit menacing.
The only drawer with a safety catch right now is the one where we keep the kitchen knives. Everything else that’s dangerous, such as medications and household chemicals, is out of reach. Even so, it’s good to review things and see what …read more