Keeping Your House Safe (and Enjoyable) for Old & Young Visitors

Whether you are trying to keep your toddlers safe at home, or preparing for a visit from your 95 year old grandmother, the techniques to keep both age groups safe and happy are similar.

• Keep walkways clear of snow, leaves, rocks, toys, etc. Little legs that are just learning to walk can trip and fall. And older bodies with eyes and balance that might not be as good as they were need a clear path to stay safe. Also using a stroller or a walker is easier on clear ground.
• Check the hot water temperature. Both baby skin and the skin of elderly people is more susceptible to burns from hot water. Keep both ages safe by turning the temperature down a few degrees to avoid accidental scalding.
• Keep the rooms warm enough. Ever wonder why nursing homes often feel over-heated? It's because the elderly have a harder time regulating their body temperature. Babies do, too (and they move around less so they aren't generating their own heat.) Consider turning up the thermostat a few degrees, and being sure to provide lap blankets and sweaters if needed.
• They both like to be involved! Just because a baby can't talk doesn't mean they should be left out of activities. Likewise, an older relative with hearing or vision issues shouldn't be left out either. Figure out a way to integrate people of all ages into the fun. (Somehow even when my grandmother had trouble with her vision, she still managed to beat me at Chinese Checkers!)
• Treasure them while they are here! Babies grow up fast, and people don't live forever. Slow down and treasure your time with them. Take pictures, write down funny things they say and enjoy them!

Shel Silverstein has a lovely poem about the similarities between our older and younger selves. Click here to read "The Little Boy and The Old Man."