Safety Checklist for Seniors

There comes a time when you must come to decide the kind of senior care your loved one requires.

According to a research by the American Psychological Association, over 12 million senior citizens over the age of 65 are living alone. If your loved ones are able and willing, there is nothing wrong with considering this as an option over assisted or independent living facilities.

As we age, our bodies age with us. This leads to decreased performance of our five basic senses that make up our survival skills. However, that’s not as gloomy as it may sound. Many people are able to live alone safely by making minor adjustments around the house and in their habits to ensure their safety.

Paying attention to details for home safety can prevent mishaps. Making a checklist is an excellent way to ensure the safety of your loved ones. Hazards are mostly predicted to be around staircases and bathrooms but they can be present anywhere in the house.

If your loved one is living alone, here is what you can do to ensure their safety.

Watch your step!

The number one reason for injury and death in seniors over the age of 65 is through falls. Bathrooms are a common place for senior injury. Not only can your loved one hurt them self in the shower or tub, but on any wet and slippery surfaces around the house.

Preventive measures include ensuring their eye-wear is up to date, ensuring the floor is clutter-free and furniture is spaced out. Lighting is a very important aspect to preventing injuries. A well-lit home is one of the ways to guarantee that your loved one has access to visibility around their home.

Avoid furniture made of glass or ones with sharp edges. Another good idea is to invest in non-slip surfaces and bathtub safety bars.

Fire safety!

Older adults aged 65 or above are more than twice as likely to get injured in fires than the total national population in the US. Fire safety should be a measure taken in any household. A few simple precautions and assessments can prevent your loved one from a major mishap.

Have the home of the elderly checked and assessed for possible points of fire outbreak. Have smoke detectors and alarms installed in any rooms susceptible to fire outbreak. Ask your loved one to stay in the kitchen for as long as they are frying, grilling or broiling food. Prepare your loved one for any emergency situation and guide them in advance on safe exit routes from every room and other areas around and out of the house.

The US Fire Administration has a full checklist that you can use to assess how safe your home is from fires.

Play safe!

Give your loved ones gentle reminders to not undertake any housework that may potentially be dangerous. They may insist that changing the light bulb or moving small pieces of furniture is not a life threatening task. Gently remind them that it may be risky or tire them out. Let them know that they can ask for help, whenever they want.

Living alone is a feasible option for those whose families live nearby and can regularly check in on their loved ones.

Keep emergency numbers handy!
Always ensure that emergency numbers are written down by each phone and easily accessible in the case of emergencies. These numbers should be written clearly in a large and bold writing so that they can be read if your loved one is in pain, in a hurry, or frightened.

Some basic numbers to have written down are:

• 911
• Poison Control 1-800-222-1222
• Family member or friend to call in cases of emergency or mishaps
• Their healthcare provider’s office

Living alone can be a daunting task, even if your loved one is fully capable of managing it on their own. If you are worried that they one might be ask risk, it is a good idea to talk to a senior care consultant for placement options.

Looking for senior care placement options in the Kansas City metropolitan area, get in touch with us, today! We offer free consultation on the most feasible option for elderly care, which can guarantee you a comfortable, pleasant solution that suits your budget.

Contact Ralph Caro today, to make an informed decision!