You may not realize this but when your loved one lives on their own at home, they may be less safe than you realize. When advanced aging occurs, the possibility of danger magnifies for all seniors. Impaired motor skills, decreasing coordination and vision start become a hazard making aging more difficult. It is important to check up on their home and be vigilant of anything that can be hazard to them. With our experience with seniors, we have created a list of 5 things that you can do to make sure your elderly loved ones are safe and secure in their own home.

Tip #1 Install Handrails and Grab Bars

One of the most common causes of injury for seniors is falls, which can be caused by reduced mobility and balance. Installing handrails and grab bars in key areas of the home, such as the bathroom, can provide seniors with the support they need to navigate their home safely. Handrails and grab bars can also help seniors maintain their independence by allowing them to move around their homes with confidence and ease. Installing these features is a simple modification that can make a significant difference in preventing falls and keeping your parents safe.

Tip #2 Ensure Adequate Lighting

Good lighting is critical for maintaining a safe home environment. As they age, seniors may have difficulty seeing in dimly lit areas, which can increase their risk of tripping or falling. Sometimes even over confidence in maneuvering in a poorly lit area can be a hazard can cause this issue. Ensuring all areas of the home are well-lit is crucial to preventing accidents. Consider adding nightlights and motion censored lights in hallways or bathrooms for added visibility and encourage seniors to keep lamps or other sources of light in easily accessible places.

Tip #3 Invest in Home Security Systems with a surveillance doorbell

Home security systems provide added protection for seniors who may be more vulnerable to intruders or burglars. A monitored security system can alert authorities in the event of an emergency, providing peace of mind for seniors who may live alone. A security system can also help deter potential intruders, reducing the risk of theft or burglary. A reliable security system is an investment that can help seniors feel safe and secure in their homes. To make sure that the only people entering your loved one’s home are those who are supposed to be there, a camera doorbell can be a significant investment. The doorbell has a small camera attached and runs a video onto a computer or smartphone so that your loved one can see who is outside their home from the safety of indoors.

Tip #4 Consider Medical Alert Systems

Medical alert systems are a valuable tool for seniors who may require assistance in the event of a medical emergency. These devices can be worn around the neck or wrist and allow seniors to call for help at the touch of a button. Medical alert systems are especially beneficial for seniors who live alone or have medical conditions that require immediate attention. They can provide family members and caregivers with added peace of mind, knowing that help is just a button press away. These devices save hundreds of thousands of seniors lives each year so this one of the equipment recommended.

Tip #5 Arrange for Regular Home Maintenance

Regular home maintenance can help prevent accidents and injuries by identifying potential. Modifying hazardous areas by moving items or minor reconstructing certain areas in the home to make more accessible locations. Installing safety locks or latches can also help prevent accidents. Seniors may have difficulty reaching or accessing certain areas of their homes, such as high shelves or cabinets. Creating modification where items are more accessible for them will aid in them overexerting themselves and causing injury. It's essential to remove any hazards that could lead to accidents or injuries, such as heavy or sharp objects that could fall or tip over.

Tip #6 Install Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are crucial safety features in any home. For seniors, they are especially critical as they may have difficulty hearing alarms, smelling or evacuating quickly in the event of an emergency. Ensure smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are installed in all areas of the home, including bedrooms and living spaces. Not only

After following these tips, your loved ones’ home should be a much safer space for them to live. For an extra measure of protection and one of the best ways to ensure safety monitoring of the home on a regular basis is considering getting in-homecare caregiver. Not only will this help your elderly parent go through their personal needs, but the caregiver can always keep an eye on the environment especially before they leave. If you’ve done everything you can to make their house is safe for them and they still seem to be struggling to live alone, consider hiring a care provider. At Viera Homecare, we train our caregivers to look out for these environment concerns. Their safety is always our number one priority, and we want to do everything we can to help them as well as give you peace of mind.