Is your senior loved one aging peacefully in the comfort of their own home? If so, there is no greater priority than making sure their home is as safe as possible for them. Thankfully, there are a few key steps you can take to create a safer environment for your senior. Read on below and learn how you can help your senior truly live their best life, safely, with our favorite in-home care tips.
Observe & Update
Walkthrough the Home
To get started, first take a thorough walkthrough of your senior’s home. Don’t move quickly – really take your time to make observations and note all the details. You will want to pay attention to and spot any prospective risks or hazards. Be on the lookout for clutter on the floor, poorly places rugs, or furniture that needs to be rearranged to create clear pathways. All these are important for your senior’s mobility.
Make Necessary Updates
Once you have finished documenting what needs updating, it’s time to get to work and make the home safer! Some of the most common safety upgrades include installing handrails in the bathrooms. These will go in the shower and above the toilet to assist with stability. If your senior has areas in the home without carpet, you can use an anti-slip wax to decrease the risk of a fall.
Take Extra Precautions
Stay Connected
If your senior is staying home alone for extended periods of time, we encourage you to check in with them often – it could be lifesaving! Stay connected with them frequently through phone calls or video chats, and if you are particularly worried, you can also install a security camera in the home.
Ask a Professional
Don’t be afraid to seek outside help. It can bring you great peace of mind to have the help of a trusted and qualified professional! Caregivers can make sure your senior is living safely in their home. They will even assist your senior with basic household tasks and can offer them companionship.
Still in need of guidance on how to create a safer home for your senior loved one? Contact our friendly Care Managers here at Senior Care at Home Oklahoma for your consultation.
