As our parents get older, their physical and emotional health can cause challenges and concerns, especially if they are living, or spending periods of time, on their own. There several items and steps that can be used to help keep aging parents safe. At Home Care Assistance, we know how big a difference safety items or measures can have for an older person’s safety, so we have put together this blog for you.
We recommend you start by making your parent’s home as safe as possible. A few changes can help with this.
Medical Alert Device: These devices provide an easy way for seniors to call for help. They push a button to generate an alert that help is needed. Some of these also have built-in fall detection. These devices can be worn as a watch, wristband, or around the neck.
Non-Skid Mats: Older people are much more prone to trips or falls and take longer to overcome injuries. Replacing rugs and mats with non-skid mats can help reduce this risk. Check the mats regularly to make sure the edges are not coming up, as this can create a further trip hazard.
Shower Chairs: Shower chairs are great for people who can no longer stand safely in the shower. They are water-resistant and non-slip and can also be used in the tub. These chairs can even help some people maintain independence when bathing.
Elevated Toilet Seat: A taller toilet or a riser on the toilet can make it easier for seniors to get on and off the toilet. Some of these come with arms, providing extra stability when getting up and down.
Grab Bars: Grab bars can add an extra layer of safety in the bathroom. They can make getting up from and sitting on the toilet easier. They are also great to have in the shower and the bath. You can install them beside a bed to make getting up more manageable and even in hallways for balance assistance. These do need to be securely attached to the wall to be safe, so consider getting an expert to install them if needed. If your parent’s balance is extremely poor, even with support around the house, it might be time to consider home care to help keep them safe at home.
Medication Organisers: Older people are much more likely to have multiple medications to take, which can be harder to keep track of. A pill organiser can help them track whether they have taken their medication. You can pair this with an alarm on their watch or phone that reminds them to take their medication at the required time.
Motion-detecting nightlights and LED strips: Moving around the house at night becomes more difficult as we age. Lighting that helps seniors see where they are going can help them move around safely. The pathway from the bed to the bathroom is a particularly good place to have these lights. They can often be set up to come on at a low level, enough to show the way but not too bright for the middle of the night.
Automatic Shutoff Safety Devices: Some appliances, such as electric kettles, slow cookers, toaster ovens, and irons, can often be bought with an inbuilt safety shutoff. This is very handy for older people who might forget what they were doing and leave something on.
Ramps: If your parents have stairs into and out of their home that are becoming more difficult to manage, installing ramps can make these spaces easier to navigate safely. They can also be helpful inside the home where there are steps. You can either have ramps made or purchase portable ramps. Some come with handrails for extra safety and security.
A List of Medications: It is a good idea to put together a list of medications that your older parent can always have on them if they are out of the house or take with them if they have a medical emergency. If you are their emergency contact, keep a copy on your phone so you can let a doctor, nurse, or paramedic know what medications they are taking if needed.
While safety can be a concerning issue for older Australians, implementing these tips can help to keep them safe. When these measures are not enough, it is time to consider home care for extra support and safety.
Support at home from a specialist provider, such as Home Care Assistance, can bring enormous benefits and comfort to your quality of life while living independently at home. Home Care Assistance has viable solutions when it comes to supporting independent living. For more information, get in touch with a Home Care Assistance near me today.
