Aging leads to various changes for older adults, disrupting the ability to live an independent life at home. Their cognitive skills could decrease and some of their senses could begin to dull, putting them at a higher risk of minor and major accidents while at home. However, you can use the following tips to increase home safety for your senior loved one as he or she ages in place.
List Emergency Contacts
A detailed list of medical providers, caregiver agencies, family members, friends, and other important contacts should always be visible to your loved one. You can place this contact list on the refrigerator, near the telephone, and next to the bed. The more areas of the home this list is in, the better your loved one’s chances are of reaching someone when an emergency occurs. Go over the list and do a few trial runs to make sure your parent knows what to do if he or she becomes ill or needs immediate assistance and you’re not around.
Certain age-related conditions can make it more challenging for seniors to age in place safely and comfortably, but Richmond live-in care experts are available around the clock to help seniors manage their health. Whether your loved one is living with dementia or is recovering from a stroke, you can trust the professional live-in caregivers from Home Care Assistance to enhance his or her quality of life.
Remove Clutter
Boxes should be stored in a safe place instead of being stacked in your parent’s home. Removing clutter, especially from hallways, door entrances, and other heavy-traffic areas, could prevent your loved one from falling. Broken bones, fractures, and other incidents caused by reduced mobility and vision impairment are common in older adults. If your loved one no longer uses certain items, get rid of them or donate them to charity.
For seniors who have difficulty managing clutter in the home, a home caregiver can be a great resource. Many older adults are choosing to age in place, and some need a helping hand to continue living at home safely and comfortably. Luckily, there is professional home care Richmond seniors can trust and rely on.
Tighten Up Loose Handrails and Stairs
All the safety bars in your loved one’s home should be secured. Remove any rugs from stairs to prevent tripping when going up and down the steps. The railings should also be tightened to prevent them from breaking. If your loved one were to grab onto a loose railing or bar and fall, he or she could experience a head trauma or worse. In addition to sturdy steps, add adequate lighting to the staircases to prevent accidents and injuries. For additional safety, you may need to add a stair lift if your loved one has difficulty going up and down the stairs.
Install a Security System
To keep your loved one safe and provide you with peace of mind, consider installing a home security system that can scare intruders off. You can also purchase a monitoring package. The security company’s team will monitor your loved one’s home 24 hours a day, and if something goes wrong, a representative can alert the proper authorities to get help for your loved one. Research some of the security system providers in your area and determine the most efficient and cost-effective option.
If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a trusted provider of Richmond in-home care. Our caregivers provide transportation to and from medical appointments and social events, nutritious meal preparation, assistance with daily exercise, and help with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping. Home Care Assistance will work with you to customize a care plan that’s just right for your loved one’s needs. Call us today at (804) 207-4746 to discuss how we can give you the peace of mind that comes from knowing your loved one is being cared for with professionalism and compassion.