Many older adults prefer to age in place, and this arrangement gives them a better chance at retaining their independence for as long as possible. However, caregivers need to take certain steps to make the home a safer place for their senior loved ones. Use the following tips to increase the safety around your aging loved one’s home.
Create Clear Floor Plans
Too much clutter places your loved one at risk of fall-related accidents that could limit his or her mobility. Since many seniors accumulate a large amount of possessions over the years, it may be time to declutter. Help your loved one sort through his or her belongings to find things to give to others or throw away. Then, arrange what is left so your loved one has clear walking paths throughout the house.
Consider hiring a professional caregiver if your senior loved one needs help decluttering. Barrie elderly care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently.
Set Up a Medication Regimen
Medication mishaps are relatively common among the elderly. All it takes is one busy day or distracted moment to cause your loved one to forget a dose or accidentally take too much. Help your loved one sort medications into an organizer, and set an alarm system up to remind him or her when to take each dose.
Fall-Proof the Bathroom
The bathroom is one of the riskiest rooms of a house. Make sure to place nonskid mats on the floor by the bathtub and the sink. Next, add handrails to the shower wall and by the toilet if there is space. Finally, check to see if there is adequate lighting. Automatic lights with sensors are easy to install, and they help seniors avoid falling during a late-night trip to the bathroom.
If your aging loved one needs occasional help with bathing, grooming, cooking, or other basic household tasks, or if you need time to attend to important personal matters, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of live-in and respite care. Barrie seniors can maintain their independence while living at home with the help of our reliable respite caregivers.
Install Security Cameras
When it comes to your loved one’s wellbeing, you can never be too cautious. Security cameras should be installed near the front door and anywhere else in the house where you have concerns about safety. Many of today’s cameras even offer the option of being able to monitor the feed from another location, which is a great way to check in on your loved one from afar.
Establish an Emergency Plan
Your loved one should already have a plan in place for how to handle a fire. However, you may need to discuss what to do if a different type of situation occurs, such as a loss of electricity or a gas leak in the neighborhood. Make sure your loved one knows at least three people he or she can call to get to a safe location until the crisis passes.
Arrange for Frequent Check-Ins
Checking in on your loved one can be as simple as a daily phone call to ask about his or her day. You can also set up regular visits with a professional caregiver if your loved one lives alone. Either way, you need to know your loved one makes personal contact with at least one person you trust to check on his or her wellbeing every day.
Many seniors prefer aging in place over moving to an assisted living facility. If your senior loved one needs assistance to remain safe and comfortable while living at home, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading Barrie, ON, home care agency. Our dedicated in-home caregivers can assist with meal prep, bathing and grooming, exercise, medication reminders, and many other important tasks. To schedule a free in-home consultation, give us a call at 647-970-3803 today.