Living alone at any age might raise safety and security concerns. Living alone, especially for an older adult, may offer the delight of freedom and at the same time, the worry of accident and harm, stripping them of the ability to seek help. There are numerous measures you can take to establish a safe living environment for an older loved one who is living alone, whether in their own home or an independent living community. For the safety of your loved ones, here are some precautions that you or your loved ones should take.
Living Room
The living room and corridors of a house are heavy traffic areas that offer several safety issues for elders. Here are some critical actions to take to eliminate the major safety risks in these locations:
- Never stand on a ladder or chair
- Use a properly fitting walking aid
- Avoid adding slippery wax to surfaces
- Remove electrical wires from walking area
- Ensure all stair rails are solid
- Remove or tack down movable carpets
- Keep a fire extinguisher on each floor
Kitchen
Besides the living room, the kitchen is where people spend a large part of their day. By following these essential safety measures, you can keep the kitchen a source of joy rather than stress:
- Store sharp goods, such as knives, in a rack rather than a drawer
- Keep floors and countertops clear of clutter
- Check the expiration dates on food products regularly
- Keep dangerous things, such as cleaning supplies, apart from food
- Mark the on and off settings of all appliances
Bathroom
The bathroom can be one of the most dangerous places for the elderly to be since it is a place that they must visit many times each day. It has risky components such as slippery surfaces, tight spaces, and water. Here are some suggestions for making the restroom a more secure environment:
- If at all possible, avoid showering when at home alone
- Install non-slip surfaces on the tub’s bottom and door locks that can be opened from both sides
- Install bath assistance such as handrails and grab bars safely
- Reduce the temperature of the water so that it does not surpass 120 degrees F
- Mark the hot and cold faucets clearly
- Leave a night light on at night
Medical Alert System
Finally, providing your elderly loved ones with a medical alert system may be the most helpful safety step you can take. Many businesses manufacture gadgets that enable individuals to instantly contact for help if they have fallen or have any other sort of emergency with the easy touch of a button that is always with them. This will offer you both peace of mind knowing that your loved ones will never be left alone in an emergency scenario where they cannot contact anyone for help.
At Rittenhouse Village At Michigan City, we strive to maximize the quality of life for our residents. Contact us or schedule a tour of our senior living community to learn more!
