In-law Apartments Present Unanticipated Safety Challenges

As thousands of New Hampshire families prepare to take care of their aging parents with Alzheimer's, many will consider having their parents move in to their residence.  Options may include occupying an extra bedroom or finished basement or adding on an in-law apartment.  In-law apartments appear to be a great choice, you are bringing your loved one into your home, but are still affording everyone space and privacy which is a reasonable expectation when older adults and their children live together at any age.

An average in-law apartment comes with a small kitchnette, oven, stove, and microwave, a refridgerator, bedroom, bathroom and a small living room.  Mom can heat food up in the microwave or take a shower in the morning, leaving the bathroom downstairs free for the grandchildren to brush their teeth before school.  On the surface this all seems to work. And for a while it does, but as someone with Alzheimer's progresses through the disease, major challenges and safety concerns begin to arise.  

Tasks such as using the microwave or boiling a pot of water without supervision become a safety concern.  Hallucinations at night or the inability to sleep can leave your loved one scared and at a distance from the main house.  If this sounds like a situation you may be dealing with, there are actions you can take to make living in the in-law apartment safe for as long as possible.  Here are a few tips:

• Unplug the stove & remove (or unplug) the microwave
• Remove or lock up the cleaning solutions 
• Use cooking & cleaning opportunities as an opportunity to spend time together
• Use a "baby" monitor to connect you with your loved one, particularly at night
• If safety is the major concern, relocate your loved one to the main part of the home

If you are concerned about your living situation, please feel free to contact me for a free phone consultation. 

Stacy L. Thrall BA Gerontology

(603) 425-1770