Keeping your Elderly Loved One Safe at Home
Keeping your Elderly Loved One Safe at Home
Introduction
As you get older, it's important to stay safe at home. The risks of falling or becoming ill are greater for seniors than they were when we were younger. If you live alone and have little or no family nearby, this can be especially challenging. You may not realise how much help is available in your community until you start asking questions and talking with people who care about you.
Our WatchOvers blog will give an overview of the types of risks that elderly people face and why it's so important to keep them safe at home as they age.
Maintaining Home Safety
• Check for trip and fall hazards. Make sure that the home is well lit, and consider installing grab bars in the bathroom and kitchen.
• Install assistive devices such as ramps, handrails and other devices to help people with mobility issues get around the house safely.
• Provide an SOS personal emergency alarm, do not wait until an accident happens as it could be too late.
Monitoring for Signs of Illness
• Watch for changes in behaviour.
• Monitor for signs of dehydration or malnutrition.
• Check for signs of depression, which can be a sign that something is wrong with your loved one's health and they may not feel well enough to ask for help.
Staying Connected with Family and Friends
• Encourage elderly to maintain social relationships with family and friends.
• Help elderly stay in touch with family and friends by arranging visits or phone calls, especially if they live alone.
• Encourage the use of technology such as Skype, Facetime or similar services so that they can keep in touch with loved ones from a distance.
Adapting the Home Environment
• Make the home environment easier to navigate.
• Provide adaptive equipment and technology where required. Remember to review their needs on a regular basis.
• Create a safe and secure home environment.
Assistance with Grooming and Hygiene
• Assistance with bathing and dressing.
• Help with personal hygiene and grooming.
• Provide reminders to brush teeth and wash hands – personal alarms can provide these reminders
Managing Medications
• Create a medication schedule.
• Help with pill reminders – personal alarm devices can provide these reminders.
• Keep medications out of reach of children and pets, who may mistake them for sweets or food if they're not stored properly!
Encouraging Exercise and Activity
Encouraging elderly to engage in regular physical activity is an important part of keeping them safe at home. It can be difficult for older adults to find activities that they enjoy, but it's worth the effort. If you know of any family members who might be interested in helping out, ask them if they would like to join your loved one on their morning walk.
Conclusion
So how can you help your elderly loved ones stay safe at home?
• Be aware of the risks and take action to prevent them.
• Keep in mind that there are many resources available to help the elderly live independently, such as personal alarms for the elderly, home care services, adult day care centres and senior living communities.
If you or someone you know needs assistance with caring for an elderly loved one or would like more information about our SOS personal alarms, please got to www.watchovers.com