The Top 5 Major Safety Tips for Seniors

As seniors get older, the factors that make them vulnerable to these types of accidents pile up. This includes:

• Physical limitations such as frailty, mobility issues, impaired vision, and hearing.
• Health conditions or medications that affect their thinking.
• Environmental factors, like loose rugs and slippery floors

Whether they are living alone or inside the best Carlsbad assisted living community, caregivers and family members should still double their effort to ensure the safety of seniors.

To help you make their living space a comfortable and safer place, here are five important safety tips that you should follow.

1. Fall-Proof Their Home

Falls have the reputation of being the leading cause of injuries for older adults. Protect your loved one from such accidents by fall-proofing their home. This includes:

• Remove clutter. Organize their space by prioritizing convenience and functionality.
• Replace rugs with one that has a rubberized backing to avoid slippage.
• Make sure that all cords and wirings are organized and safely tucked away from walk paths.
• Encourage the senior to exercise and stay active.

1. Remove Fire Hazards

Fire is another major safety risk for seniors, especially those living alone. Prevent fire and other related accidents by removing potential fire hazards, such as:

• Damaged appliances, devices, and electrical cords.
• Removing candles and flammable items in your loved one’s home.
• Avoiding the use of space heaters.

You should also install smoke detectors and keep a fire extinguisher handy. Moreover, you should instruct your loved one on what to do (leave the place and call 911) and where to go (emergency exits) in case of a fire.

1. Keep a List of Emergency Contacts

Make sure to list down all the emergency numbers on a piece of paper and place it where your senior loved one can look through it quickly.

Some of the most important numbers to write down include 911, poison control, the local fire department’s number, a close family member’s number, and the nearest hospital and healthcare provider’s number.

1. Consider Installing Assistive Devices

Even if your loved one has no history of fall accidents or mobility issues, you should still consider installing assistive devices in their home. You can opt to have it installed in places prone to accidents, such as the bathroom and stairs. Safety-proof their home by:

• Installing grab bars in the shower and toilet area. Also, putting rubber mats in the bathroom and just outside the door.
• Consider a bathing chair, handheld shower, or a raised toilet seat.
• Installing a nightlight in the bathroom. Also, you should assess the lighting situation in their home.
• Considering stair lifts, motion sensor lights, and grab bars in other rooms of the house.

1. Protect Against Criminal Activity

Inform your loved ones about online safety and scams that usually happen to seniors. Instruct them to keep their doors and windows locked at all times and to never let a stranger inside their home.

If you think their safety and security are compromised, then you can encourage them to move into the best Carlsbad assisted living community.