Aging at Home: How to Keep Your Loved One Safe
Families choose to keep their aging loved ones at home for various reasons. When we asked the adult children of our Welbe Participants, the most common reasons they give are the desire to care for mom the way she had cared for them and supporting their parent’s wishes.
Inevitably, as your loved one ages, they will need more assistance and care. Making adjustments to the home and enlisting the help of in-home senior care can allow your loved one to safely remain in their home for as long as possible and provide valuable support to you as a caregiver.
Creating a Safe Home for Seniors
Whether your loved one is living with you or wants to stay in their own home, creating a safe and comfortable space for your loved one is essential to their physical well-being. When it comes to home safety for seniors, being proactive can make all the difference. Even if your loved one doesn’t need assistance now, planning ahead can prevent injuries and give you peace of mind.
Prevent Falls
According to the National Institute on Aging, sixty percent of falls happen at home. A fall can be a setback to your aging loved and possibly result in an unwanted hospital stay. Here are some modifications to consider to prevent falls in the home.
• Install grab bars in the bathroom for stability getting in out of the shower
• Make sure rooms are well lit and promptly replace any burned out bulbs
• Install railing near any indoor or outdoor stairs
• Remove tripping hazards such as rugs, mats, and or pet toys
• Consider installing a walk-in tub or curbless shower
• Stairlifts may be necessary for seniors with decreased mobility who live in a multi-level home
Utilize Technology
Technology has evolved at a rapid pace in the last two decades. Seniors and their caregivers can benefit from new, innovative devices and gadgets that can keep elders living safely at home. Some benefits include caregiver notifications, health monitoring, and assistance in emergencies.
• A medical alert system can connect wearers to emergency help and alert caregivers with the push of a button, and even detect falls
• A home security system may be ideal for seniors living on their own and want extra protection from intruders
• Smart speakers can be used for medication and appointment reminders
Get Help with Caregiving
Caring for an aging loved in the home is a noble and selfless act. But, taking on this role alone can be unsafe for your loved one and have a negative impact on your health. According to a study done by AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving, 23 percent of caregiving Americans say their health has suffered due to the stress of caregiving. Plus, when caregivers are under constant stress, they can become forgetful, angry, or depressed, which isn’t beneficial to the aging relative they’re caring for. Enlisting professional caregiving help can be a gift to yourself and keep your loved one safe.
WelBeHealth provides support to caregivers and their aging loved ones through the PACE model of care. PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) provides respite care, coordinates medical appointments, manages medications, and much more. Many caregivers have found the support offered by WelBeHealth to positively impact their mental and physical health, with 97 percent reporting they would recommend PACE.
Safely aging at home can be achieved when seniors and their caregivers take proactive steps to create ideal living environments. Caregivers, such as adult children and spouses, can also keep homes safe by utilizing professional caregiving assistance such as WelBeHealth, a PACE provider. Learn more about WelBeHealth.
