How to Keep Your Aging Family Members Safe

While some senior citizens spend at least a portion of their golden years residing in a retirement community or nursing facility, the vast majority of Americans aged 65 or older are able to live in their own homes. However, aging at home does raise concerns about elderly safety. In this post, we’ll look at some of the steps you can take to create a safe, secure environment for your elderly loved ones.

Fall Prevention

The Consumer Product Safety Commission points out that slip-and-fall accidents are the leading cause of injuries for seniors. Take a walk through your aging loved one’s home and remove any environmental hazards that could lead to falling, such as loose throw rugs and non-functioning lightbulbs. A regular exercise program can help seniors maintain their strength and coordination, which can reduce the risk of falling.

Home Modifications

Making modifications to specific areas of home can make them safer and more “senior-friendly.” For example, installing grab bars near bathtubs or shower stalls makes it easier for seniors to get in and out, and lowers the risk of slipping on a wet surface. Placing a lamp or light switch just inside the home’s entrance prevents the senior from having to navigate through a dark room to turn on a light.

Consider Hiring a Home Health Care Aide

A challenge that many working adults face is finding the time to look in on an aging parent who may need help maintaining an independent home life. A home health care aide can make regular visits to attend to the senior’s personal needs and monitor the use of medications. Some health insurance plans offer coverage for home health care services.

Watch for Cognitive Changes

While seniors can often appear to be in good physical condition, they might be experiencing cognitive issues. Look for signs such as increasing memory loss, confusion or the inability to complete familiar tasks, any of which can indicate the onset of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. This can also inhibit the senior’s ability to live independently.

Fire Prevention

Diminishing physical and mental capacity can make seniors more vulnerable to a home fire — careless or unattended cooking is the leading cause of fire-related injuries for older adults. Make sure your loved one’s home is equipped with smoke detectors and that a kitchen fire extinguisher is within easy reach of the cooking area. Consider installing a monitored fire alarm system that provides early detection and a prompt response if a fire breaks out.

Titan Alarm, Inc. Offers a Wide Variety of Senior Citizen Safety Solutions

At Titan Alarm, we understand the importance of ensuring the safety of aging family members. We can design and install a comprehensive home security system that includes fire and burglar alarms, video surveillance, energy management and much more. Well-trained security professionals who will dispatch first responders at the first sign of trouble monitor our systems. Contact us to learn more about our senior citizen safety solutions and to schedule a no-obligation consultation today.

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Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.