Home Safety for Seniors

Your home is typically your haven or safe space. However, as we start to age, some things need to be maintained and improved to make sure it is still safe for our ever changing needs. 

Checklist: 

1. Medication: One of the leading in-home hazards is caused by medications. So it is important to have a good system in place and a schedule they can stick to. Mistakes with medication can cause seniors to end up in the hospital. 
2. Fall/Tripping Hazards: Common tripping hazards include throw rugs, extension cords, thresholds, carpeting tears, defective stairs/railing, unsteady handrails and more. It is important to install grab bars in the bathroom and next to their beds to lower the risks of falling. 
3. Electrical Cords: Make sure they are not frayed, cracked or improperly adhered to the walls to cause fire hazards. Make sure extension cords do not have more than their max capacity plugged into them.
4. Sturdy step stools or ladders so they don’t use miscellaneous items to climb and reach high heights. 
5. Bathrooms: Do you have non-skid mats, abrasive strips and grab bars?
6. Water Temperature: Making sure the water is not set too hot. It is best to be below 120 degrees Fahrenheit or lower to help prevent scalds.
7. Cooking: Make sure they try to wear short sleeves when cooking. Long sleeves are more likely to catch fire. They are also more likely to get caught on pots causing burns and other injuries. 
8. Smoke Detectors: Are they working properly and are all fire hazards taken care of?
9. Lighting: Make sure all areas are well lit, the proper light bulb wattage is in each fixture, the perimeter of the house is secure and well lit. Also, it is important to have flashlights in key areas just in case of a power outage. 
10. Emergency Phone Numbers: Place them near the phone in large print so they do not have to worry if they forget the number or can not find where they placed it.
11. Phone Placement: Make sure there is a phone near the bed so they do not have to get up to locate one in case of an emergency.
12. Emergency Alert Devices: Have one installed and make it easily accessible so they can get help no matter where they are. 
13. Chemicals & Stored Paints: Making sure they are stored properly or removed from the home.
14. Review an Emergency Exit Plan: Have multiple routes planned out for escape in case of an emergency. 

For an extensive list and helpful tips visit: https://www.nachi.org/elderlysafety.htm 

After inspecting your parents or loved ones home, are you nervous about them living alone? Are you wondering if it is time for other senior living options?  If you answer yes or agree with some of the statements below, we are happy to help you find some affordable solutions.  Give our Director of Marketing & Admissions Beverly Robinson a call at 386-847-3022. 

1. Do you worry about your loved one’s safety when you are away? 
2. My loved one is not eating properly or taking medications on time. 
3. My loved one can no longer manage personal hygiene.
4. My loved one no longer knows who I am.
5. I am struggling physically to help my loved one in and out of bed. 
6. I am caring for my loved one and feeling exhausted and stressed. 

We know this is never an easy decision and it takes time to find the best solution. We are here to help you determine if Alba Court Residences & Adult Day Care is a good fit for your family’s needs.