|
|
How to Help Seniors Stay Safe At Home
Today's tough economy is forcing many senior citizens who may have preferred an assisted living facility to stay in their homes instead. Or many seniors choose to remain in their houses for as long as possible because they love to live freely and independently. Whatever the reasons for a senior's living at home, it is the responsibility of her loved ones to do everything possible to make sure that she is enjoying a safe environment. Here are some ideas on how to help seniors stay safe at home.
Seniors no longer enjoy good eyesight, and so it is important to remove any small obstacles that may inadvertently cause them to trip. Extension cords and throw rugs are common accident culprits and should be removed wherever possible. Make sure that all floor lamp and television cords are safely tucked away behind or under furniture. Consider rearranging living room furniture, if necessary, to make it more easily navigable. This will help prevent any potential obstacles from being underfoot.
That poor eyesight makes it absolutely essential to rethink a senior's home lighting system. Many folks choose to install permanent night lights in dark hallway outlets that stay in operation all day long and not just at night. If light switches are not near doorways, they should be installed there immediately so that your loved one need not stumble about in the dark. If changing switches isn't possible, consider putting in a remote lighting system that operates via sound vibration such as hand clapping.
Grab bars for toilet and bathtub use will help to prevent a senior from losing her balance when she's moving about in these areas. If loss of balance is a chronic problem, installing a shower seat and non-slip grips in the bathtub will help her to bathe in comfort and safety.
In the kitchen, make sure to remove any throw rugs that may cause a fall. A grease vent over a stove top is difficult for a senior to clean herself, so make sure to remove it several times a year to ensure proper air flow through the ventilation system. Install a home fire extinguisher at the counter top level and teach her how to use it.
Despite the best safety precautions, 30% of seniors still suffer a fall at home each and every year. If your loved one falls, she may not be able to get up and call for help. Invest in a home alert system that is easy for her to understand and whose monitoring service has a reputation for reliability. With an alert system, a senior wears an alert button either around the neck as a pendant, on the wrist like a watch, or clipped to a belt around the clock. Should a fall occur, she can press the button at any time of the day or night and help will be on the way within minutes.
Taking proactive steps to help a senior stay safe in her own home brings peace of mind both to her as well as those who love her.
About the Author EZ Medical Alert (http://www.EzMedicalAlert.com) is the industry leader in Medical Alert Systems over the past 11 years. Medical alert systems provide peace and security of mind not only for seniors, but also their families and loved ones. Art Gib is a freelance writer.
|
 |
Please Rate: |
|
Rating: |
 Processing ... |
(Average: Not rated) |
| Views: | 32 | |
|
| More Articles from Elderly Care | | |
| Top Articles in Elderly Care | | |
|
