Health, security and safety are key components of an active and independent lifestyle for seniors. However, as your loved one grows older, they are likely to face a variety of health issues and safety concerns. It is therefore imperative that you take such measures that are designed to prevent injuries while taking care of your elderly.
Prevention of falls
Most seniors lose their independence as a result of falls. However, while the risk factors will often increase with age, falls are not an inevitable component of aging. Below are a few measures to be taken in preventing such falls.
- It is important to tape down all area rugs: You will find that rugs are a major trip hazard for most seniors. In the event that they are not appropriately secured to the floor, they will probably buckle or roll up at the corners, creating hot spots for falls.
- You will also want to de-clutter the house in which your elderly loved ones are residing. The daily chaos of life will often cause clutter to pile up, including newspapers, shoes, clothes and books among others. All these significantly contribute to the risk of falls for the elderly adults.
- Placing nightlights in stairwells and hallways is also extremely crucial. Advanced age will often increase the frequency of tripping in the restroom, especially during the night. It is therefore essential to place nightlights in the hallway leading to the bathroom, while ensuring that each step on the stairwell is adequately lit. This would essentially enable the seniors to navigate such stairs after dark.
Please take a few moments to answer “YES” or “NO” the questions HERE. It will give you a guide as to how safe you are from falling and the areas of health that might need your attention.
Medication safety
Training seniors to take their medication safely would essentially ensure that such medication works properly while avoiding negative interactions.
Most seniors prefer to live in their own homes as opposed to living in nursing homes. However, living independently can be extremely risky as a fall or medical emergency could lead to a one-way trip to the hospital. Fortunately, there have emerged medical alert systems that essentially render independent living safer for older adults.
There are numerous types of medical alert systems, some include very expensive monitored systems that can cost up to $1000 every year. Other systems are also available that have NO monitoring fees EVER! Which is fantastic for those who cannot afford on-going monthly fees For detailed information on a non-monitored medical alert system, go to www.carealert.com.au.