Keeping Your Parents Safe - Improving Safety for Senior Adults

The last thing that you want is a call that your elderly parent has fallen or gotten hurt in some other way. The best way to avoid a call like that is prevention. ​Here are some tips to get you started!

Safety Around the House

Does your parent's current home provide a safe space? Often older adults wait too long to move, making the risk of injury higher because of things like stairs, ledges, or inaccessible bathrooms. There are some things that you can do no matter what space they are in: 

• Make sure the home is well lit. Being able to see is so important! Consider installing voice activated lights so that they can turn them on as soon as they enter a room without having to find a light. Or lights on a timer based around their schedule. 
• Install proper work space helps. A couple gadgets can sometimes be the difference between a safe space and an unsafe one. 
• Remove clutter. Make sure there are not things that can be tripped over, or that they can't get around with their walker or cane. 

In Case of Emergency

What happens if they do have a problem? Is there a plan in place for immediate help? Some things to consider: 

• Make sure that your phone number is listed in their phone with "ICE" which stands for "In Case of Emergency" and is something that rescue workers know to look for if needed. And of course that it is in a part of the phone that is accessible without a code. 
• Write down emergency information in a highly visible place. If you were a neighbor or rescue worker who came in the door would it be the first thing you saw? 
• Get to know the neighbors! Often a neighbor will be able to help before emergency can arrive. Know who they are and exchange contact information, and make sure your parent knows them as well. 

Safety When Out

While you can control a lot of things about the space you spend most time in, when you go out is where a lot of accidents happen due to unexpected things. If you do these things you will minimize such events, or at least be prepared to respond. 

• Carry a first aid kit and emergency kit in your car at all times. Remember things like emergency snacks and drinks, a warming blanket, and basic first aid supplies. 
• Keep a list of emergency information with your parent at all times. Have them put it in their wallet or purse so that they have access to it, even when they are not with you. 
• Communicate plans. Ask your parents to let you know where they are going and when. If they push back, remind them of your own teenage years, and that it was just about keeping you safe... right? 

If you can keep these things in mind, it can make a big difference!

If you do feel like it is time to move, we would love to help you. We are certified senior specialists who can help make the transition as easy as possible. Get in touch!

Thanks for signing up!