An in-home Safety Guideline for Seniors and Elderly Citizens

Nine out of ten seniors and elderly ones prefer staying at their homes over places intended for elderly care. They feel more comfortable at their abodes after retirement. While 85 percent of caregivers provide their services to older individuals living in their own homes independently.

According to American Geriatrics Society (AGS), one in eight Americans is over 65. Besides, more than 50 percent of seniors have three or more chronic illnesses. This data shows one in every four American families do have an elderly over the age of 65.

Not all seniors have caregivers with them. They either live alone or have busy family members who, unaware about in-home safety, cannot provide good home care to them.
This is probably the biggest challenge with elderly care at home. It is a must, therefore, to be aware of the challenges and issues related with senior care at home and help them live a better life in their twilight days.

Major Problems in Old age
AGS stats show that top chronic issues with elderly over 65 include arthritis, heart diseases, cancer, hypertension and diabetes. Other problems that lead to home injuries are falls and exertion. Depression, anxiety and panic are three other psychological issues with seniors.

Chronic illnesses, as the name depicts are illnesses that stay with the patient. They can only be controlled but unfortunately there is no treatment for them. For instance, diabetes and heart issues are chronic in nature. Elderly with these chronic issues need exceptional care. They need to make lifestyle changes to live a better normal life. Seniors without any known illness, on the other hand, also need to stay safe and follow strict homecare guidelines because old age is itself a challenge.

Follow these in-home care guidelines intended for seniors and elderly to keep them safe and happy in old age.

Home Safety Guidelines for Seniors
Dr. Kevin Carlson is a Geriatrician in Columbia, US. She says that older patients are different from younger ones. They have complicated medical issues. It is not easy to treat them, their illnesses usually go a long way. With good care, however, we can prevent the issues from occurring. Home safety comes first in the list.

Home Safety
Majority falls occur inside homes, according to Age Safe America. 55% of seniors fall in their bathrooms, rooms or upstairs. While 23% of slips occur near their houses. Therefore, it is crucial to make your home senior-friendly by making small changes. For instance, handrails in washrooms, on stairs, and in the living rooms can help safe seniors from falling. Handrails are extremely important if you have an arthritis patient at home, recommends Dr. Carlson. Use smart bulbs and smart plugs that can be easily operated from smartphones. These smart bulbs in entrances or living rooms come in handy when an old individual is alone. Besides, these home automation devices are energy-efficient. You can keep your senior’s room lights on for longer hours without worrying about surging electricity bills. Smart plug is another home safety device that can be helpful for older people. With this plug, they can simply plug in/out their required lights at certain times of day or night without needing to leave their chair. Keep the stairs free from obstructions so that anyone can walk easily. This helps to reduce fall risks among the elderly. Have more lever handles in doors, window panes, cupboards, showcases and drawers, especially in your kitchen so that it becomes easy to use them. Similarly, have higher toilet seats so that your elder family members can use them without any issue. Make sure your floor is non-slippery. A slippery floor becomes the cause of falls and slips at home. Go for a non-slippery material for your floor. Or if changing it is not possible, lay carpet, mat or a rug on the greasy place. Moreover, have wider doors so that wheelchairs and walkers can move around easily.

Go for Monthly and Yearly Checkups
In home safety for an old person is like lifeline for them. The more you provide them care at home, the more they will be happy and stay disease and stress-free. Carelessness towards them can lead to depression, anxiety and panic attacks in seniors, informs Dr. Carlson. Monthly checkups are important to seniors suffering from chronic issues. However, if there is no issue, general screenings after every six to twelve months is recommended by doctors. Therefore, keep in touch with your geriatrician to stay safe and healthy.

Many seniors become dependent on their family members psychologically. They need to be talking with them all the time. Or some of them insist their family members to sit or live with them. This is not practical in most cases. Younger family members keep busy with work. It becomes difficult for them to take out time for their elderly loved ones. But keep concerned about their safety and condition while away. One of the best solutions to this issue can be by offering a panic button to them.

Use the Life Savior Devices
Thanks to advancement in technology, it has bestowed us with life saving devices like the panic buttons and keychain remote.

• Panic Button
Panic buttons are indeed life saviors. They assist in keeping family members connected wirelessly. The user can call for help anytime in case of emergency by pressing this home safety button. A panic button is based on wireless technology and comes in two wearable designs. One can even put the life alert by their side table and use it whenever required.

Doctors recommend this useful portable device for seniors and the elderly. Older individuals who have anxiety or panic issues can keep this button with them. Incidents of panic attacks or anxieties fears can be reduced with this life alert. Panic buttons are easy to use, waterproof and come in handy when needed most.

• Keychain Remote
Like the panic button, keychain remote is also a must-have for seniors and the elderly. There are four buttons for the user in case of any threat. It includes the panic button, a siren button and 2 remote control buttons for security alarm system to be armed/disarmed. The wireless home security device works exceptionally well on battery. It is an ideal for those elderly who live alone. They can use this high tech home security equipment during emergencies especially.

Be More Empowered with Smartphone Control Access
It becomes a challenge to move when you become old. Many seniors, therefore, use walkers, wheelchairs and sticks or some of them avoid walking at all. Modern home automation equipment comes in handy for them in this regard. It facilitates them to control their home and property using a smartphone. All you need is to provide your older member with a smartphone. Smartphone control access empowers them to control almost everything at home remotely, mainly from door locks to your thermostat.

In short, in-home safety for seniors and elderly has become easy with the help of new technology. There are many devices that facilitate senior homeowners to live a better, healthy and a safer life.