How to Keep Seniors Safe at Home
Posted: 08.31.2015
More and more seniors are choosing to stay at home for as long as possible. Even if “home” is now a condo or apartment in an independent or assisted living facility, safety precautions must be taken up a notch. Below is an excellent place to begin.
Rethink the Floor Plan
Mobility often becomes a greater challenge with age, meaning it may be time to rethink the floor plan at home. A few changes to consider include:
The safety equipment required will vary from one senior to the next. Keep in mind that decline can occur quickly, so you should reevaluate need on a regular basis. Some of the most common safety equipment includes:
Keep in mind that a senior who can easily navigate their home may require a mobility aid when out and about. Walking around the grocery store or to and from the parking lot can be exhausting. You can also speak with their PCP to see if a disability placard for their car is an option.
Any of the following mobility aids can be a huge help:
There are a wide range of options for emergency call systems. Many independent and assisted living facilities install emergency call equipment in each apartment, but you can also invest in your own. This includes a waterproof necklace or bracelet, remote video monitoring, and even apps that provide automated phone, text, or email check-ins.
Explore Home Health Options
Seniors and their families should explore the wide range of home health options. Whether due to health or mobility, many seniors are unable to perform their ADLs independently. This doesn’t mean it’s no longer safe to be at home, but that additional assistance is required to ensure health, hygiene, and quality of life. Just a handful of home health options include:
Rethink the Floor Plan
Mobility often becomes a greater challenge with age, meaning it may be time to rethink the floor plan at home. A few changes to consider include:
- Creating clear pathways that are easy to navigate with a wheelchair or walker.
- Remove throw rugs, or have them tacked down or adhered to the floor.
- Redirect any cords that run across walkways.
The safety equipment required will vary from one senior to the next. Keep in mind that decline can occur quickly, so you should reevaluate need on a regular basis. Some of the most common safety equipment includes:
- grab bars in and around the shower and toilet
- a raised toilet seat
- skid-proof bathmat
- nightlights placed throughout the home
- in-home chair lift
- bed rails
- shower bench or chair
- dining room chairs with arms
- adding non-slip grips to chairs place on smooth flooring
Keep in mind that a senior who can easily navigate their home may require a mobility aid when out and about. Walking around the grocery store or to and from the parking lot can be exhausting. You can also speak with their PCP to see if a disability placard for their car is an option.
Any of the following mobility aids can be a huge help:
- cane
- walker
- wheelchair
- motor scooter
- lift chair or lift recliner
- adjustable bed
- gait belt
- transfer board
- supportive non-slip shoes
There are a wide range of options for emergency call systems. Many independent and assisted living facilities install emergency call equipment in each apartment, but you can also invest in your own. This includes a waterproof necklace or bracelet, remote video monitoring, and even apps that provide automated phone, text, or email check-ins.
Explore Home Health Options
Seniors and their families should explore the wide range of home health options. Whether due to health or mobility, many seniors are unable to perform their ADLs independently. This doesn’t mean it’s no longer safe to be at home, but that additional assistance is required to ensure health, hygiene, and quality of life. Just a handful of home health options include:
- daily, weekly, or periodic caregiver to assist with errands, cooking, outings, socialization, monitoring vitals, and assisting with ADLs
- daily, weekly, or periodic nursing to monitor health and manage prescriptions
- remote health care options
- in-home therapy—occupational, speech, physical