The vast majority of older adults choose to remain at home for a lifetime, as opposed to making a move to an assisted living facility or nursing home – nearly 90% of them, according to research conducted by AARP. And who can blame them? The comfort of a familiar environment, the freedom to come and go as you want, the opportunity to prepare the meals you want when you want them are all invaluable commodities.
But while it sounds like the perfect plan for aging, there are some significant concerns about how to keep senior adults safe at home to consider as well:
- Will the older adult stay safe?
- How will the older person get around once driving, or even walking, is difficult?
- What happens if the older adult becomes sick or has a bad fall and no one’s close by to help?
Thankfully, it is now easier than ever for older adults to stay safe and well at home. These tips for seniors can help you in taking the necessary safety measures to ensure your senior loved one is prepared for these needs and any others, now and in the coming years:
- Evaluate the home, both indoors and out, from the perspective of the older person’s safety. Check to make sure:
- Grab bars are in place beside the tub and toilet.
- Throw rugs and other fall hazards are taken away.
- There’s plenty of lighting, including in hallways and stairways.
- Frequently used items are within easy reach.
- Emergency numbers are posted in a prominent location.
- Create a transportation plan, so it’s ready to implement when driving is no longer feasible:
- Investigate public transportation choices that are available and easily accessible.
- Put together a volunteer tree of trusted people the older person can contact for transportation when needed: friends, family members, neighbors, religious organizations, local senior centers, Carolina Hearts Home Care, etc.
- Make sure the older adult has access to the tech tools that can be used in an emergency to reach out for help when alone, such as a PERS (personal emergency response system).
The best way to keep senior adults safe at home, however, is by engaging the services of a trusted home care agency, such as Carolina Hearts Home Care. Our care experts are extensively trained and have experience in providing personal care services, transportation, meal planning and preparation, and companionship, and are on hand for as much or as little care as required.
We begin by creating an individualized care plan to address the older adult’s specific needs and wishes, and then we continually monitor that plan and modify as needs change – ensuring that the senior remains safe and is able to live life to the fullest, where it is most comfortable: right at home. To hear more about our home care in Laurel Hill and the surrounding areas we serve, contact us online or by phone at 1-855-277-2005.
