Safety for Seniors
by Ewa Frydel, Owner
When we think of our senior loved ones, the first thought is usually about their welfare. Safety for seniors is a very important topic to be concerned about. While it's crucial to consider your aging parent's health and safety, there are ways to put your mind at ease and keep them safe at the same time. Let's dive into some tips to keep your mom or dad safe in the home.
First, check the environment.
This goes without saying, but when our elderly parents are remaining in-home, we may not consider altering their space. Many seniors' homes carry generations and decades worth of materials; items that can take up space. It's best to go through these items with your mom or dad and see what can be packed away or donated. You and your siblings can take a trip down memory lane with your mom or dad. Have them tell you stories about each item. They may even want to pass it on to you now rather than see it
We want to make sure there is room to move around and not so many items around that could fall and break. Be sure to check if rugs are folding at the edges, if hangings have loose nails, or if electrical cords are worn and exposed. Go through each room, top to bottom, and begin to renew the old. Check for leaky plumbing, worn out ceilings, and even bulky furniture that takes up too much space. Go at this slowly and take care of the hazardous items first.
Lock away the cleaners.
Speaking of hazardous materials, it's okay to have a senior-free zone. Especially if your senior has dementia, you'll want to lock up chemicals in the home, like bleach or other heavy cleaners. Make this available only to you and a caregiver, or other family caregivers who frequently visit and help out. Knowing that these products aren't lying around in the same cabinet as, say, those in the kitchen, will greatly reduce risk and help keep your senior safe.
As you go through the home, think of anything possible that could risk your senior loved one's safety and handle it accordingly.
Although, accidents can still happen so let's discuss one other option to help put your mind at ease.
Install and have accessible, alert systems. This can be a device that your senior wears, similar to a bracelet or a clip. They can press a button to immediately contact emergency support. If your senior is capable of using technology, consider getting them a cell phone to contact help. However, if this is not an option, you can find medical alert systems that are voice activated. Many times our elderly members cannot get up and hit an alarm system, so having one that can pick up their voice can be very helpful.
Whistles are great, too.
Your mom or dad can blow on their whistle to alert a neighbor. With that in mind, it is also helpful to build a relationship with your aging parent's neighbor to help out when you're not quickly available.
Consider all the options that increase safety for your senior loved one.
There is no amount of attention to detail that is enough, so never feel like you're doing too much. We do want to encourage independence when our senior ages in place, but that doesn't mean diligently caring for their security prevents that.
In fact, dedicating this kind of attention enhances their chances of living more at ease and independently. We have been in your shoes and safety is never a topic we neglect.
If you have any questions about your senior's particular needs, contact us.
We can help answer any questions you have. We're here to help!
Legal Disclaimer
This blog provides general information and discussions about keeping the elderly safe at home and should not be construed as medical advice.
