As of 2020, there are 55.7 million Americans over 65, representing nearly one in every six people living in the United States. This number has been steadily increasing over the past decade by 15.2 million individuals.
Senior family members are the backbone of society. They have so much wisdom and experience to share, which makes them a valuable part of people’s lives. However, as they get older, their safety becomes a greater concern. It is essential to take steps to ensure that they are safe and secure in their homes, even if you can’t be there with them all the time. Here are ways to keep your senior family members safe and sound.
Home Safety Measures
The first step in keeping your senior family members safe is evaluating their home environment. Are the floors free from clutter? Are all of the rugs securely taped down or removed entirely? Is there adequate lighting throughout the house? Are any loose wires or cords secured out of reach? All of these things should be taken into consideration when assessing your senior loved one’s home for potential hazards.
If your senior family member has a debilitating disease, you should work with a professional to make them feel comfortable. In this situation, you should look for a reputable service providing reliable hospice care at home. The service should have a licensed physician supervising the caregivers. It should also have knowledgeable and experienced nurses who can care for the senior family member.
Home Security System
Another critical thing to consider is adding home safety features. These features include security systems, motion-detector lights, and door locks that can be opened with a keyless entry system. This will give your loved one peace of mind knowing that their home is secure even when they aren’t there.
It’s also a good idea to have a fire extinguisher and carbon monoxide detector on hand in an emergency. Teaching your loved one how to properly use their home security system is essential. Knowing how the system works and what it can do will keep them safe in the event of an emergency.
Health Monitoring Technology
Several health monitoring technologies are available that can help keep an eye on your senior family member’s health while they are away from you. Wearable devices like Fitbits or Apple Watches measure heart rate, step count, and other vitals. This data can then be sent directly to you or another trusted relative, so you always know what is going on with your loved one’s health.
Other technologies include smart pill dispensers and medical alert systems that will notify you if something seems wrong with your loved one’s health or if they require assistance due to a fall or other incident. These devices offer peace of mind for both seniors and their families alike.
Finally, some technologies can help seniors stay connected with their families and friends. Video calling apps make it easy for seniors to keep in touch with family members from different states or countries.
They can also use these video calling programs to keep up with medical appointments or check-ins with doctors if needed. Additionally, online resources like webcasts, podcasts, and webinars can help seniors stay informed about health topics and other important news.
Conduct Regular Safety Checks of the Home
It is imperative for people to regularly conduct safety checks of their homes. This inspection should be completed regularly, such as quarterly or bi-annually. Home safety checks help keep families safe, allowing people to identify and mitigate potential hazards that could cause harm.
Safety inspections of the home should include checking for any exposed wiring and ensuring that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly. It would help if you also inspected the home’s exterior to check for potential hazards like loose shingles or damaged siding. You should also check all windows and doors to ensure they close securely. Additionally, it is crucial to check appliances such as stoves and ovens to see if they are properly working and if any other equipment is used frequently.
By conducting regular safety checks of the home, people can proactively address any potential hazards and prevent them from becoming more serious issues. It is also an excellent way to keep everyone safe and secure at home, which is especially important for families with small children. Regular safety checks help provide peace of mind, knowing that the house is as safe and secure as possible.
Keeping your senior family members safe should be a top priority for everyone. Taking measures like ensuring their home environment is hazard-free and adding additional security features to their homes are ideal. Using health monitoring technology and checking the house regularly can help ensure the safety of your senior loved ones even when you’re not around them 24/7. With just a few simple steps, you can ensure your seniors stay safe no matter what comes their way!
