Ten Tips to Make Your Loved One's Life Safe

I've been through the ringer with my mom. She fractured her knee and was in a rehab for 100 days. I moved her to Massachusetts where after living in an assisted living facility for 1 week fell and received a compression fracture in her back. I am learning the hard way what is necessary to keep my mom safe. I hope my learning curve helps you.

The process of choosing an assisted living facility is one about which I wrote. There are things that have to be done before your loved one moves - even if it is within the state.

1. Unless he or she is moving within the same town or a town or two away you will need as soon as possible to get her connected to doctors. I chose my own primary care physician and although his practice is closed he did me a favor and took my mom as a patient. I would suggest that the primary care physician be close by the assisted living facility (or wherever your loved one will be living - perhaps with you or a nursing home). Facilities often offer transportation so your mom can go to the doctor on her own if taking her is not something you can do. I would suggest that of all the specialists you will be needing.

2. Write down all the medication your parent takes and make several copies. Always keep one with you. Make a copy of the insurance plan your dad or mom has and keep that with you. In my case I carry my mom's wallet with me since she has not ventured alone anywhere and I am taking her to the various doctors. Still I have a list of medications with me.

3. The place she is living has to be safety proof. As tough as it sounds you are now taking care of your parent and at times you may have to treat them like a child. For example, my mom's pocket book was too heavy for the basket on her walker. Note: make sure mom or dad knows that heavy items will tip the walker over and if they don't understand don't put a basket on it. In any case I gave her a choice of four other pocket books and left them for her. The next day I came in she was so confused. She didn't know where she put what in which pocket book. I took over and made a choice for her to use one light, small bag for her lipstick and some change and keys although where she is everyone wears their key around their wrists.