Home Safety Tips and Products for Seniors
Many seniors choose to remain living at home as they age. While maintaining their independence is terrific, there are specific safety threats that seniors need to be aware of, including fall risks, fires, intruders, and accidental poisoning.
Essential Safety Precautions to Take
As their family member, you want to do everything you can to keep your loved one safe. Here are several recommendations for hazard prevention products that will protect your relative- and give you peace of mind.
Bathroom Products
Bathrooms are a high-risk area for seniors because of the increased potential of falls from slippery floors and wet surfaces. Devices like grab bars in the shower, rubber mats next to the toilet, and shower benches can help your senior loved one avoid slips and trips around the bathroom. Additional safety measures can be taken, such as setting the thermostat on their water heater under 120 degrees to prevent burns from scalding water.
Fire Prevention Devices
Your senior family member’s kitchen is a (literal) hotspot for fire risks. Make sure they wear tight-fitting clothing while cooking. Have them set an alarm on their phone or device so they don’t forget they have food on the stove, and keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
Consider updating extension cords and smoke alarms for your family member in other parts of the home. It’s not uncommon for older adults to keep outdated products. Newer fire alarm systems can connect with their cell phone and send notifications if smoke or carbon monoxide is detected.
Intruder Protection Tools
It’s natural to worry that an intruder could threaten your senior loved one’s safety. To protect against break-ins, help them install a video doorbell system with a camera that sends notifications to both of your phones. Consider installing motion-detecting cameras and lights around the exterior of their home as well.
Personal Safety Devices
If your senior parent has any health issues, they should use a medical alert button in case of an emergency. The device can be worn around their neck for quick access. Consider buying them a Smartwatch or similar gadget for more comprehensive monitoring. The watch tracks things like heart rate, has automatic fall detection capabilities, and can easily connect them to 911 if an emergency were to occur.
Visiting Angels Supports Senior Safety
We understand how important your senior loved one’s safety is, especially if you can’t be with them in person. That’s where Visiting Angels Tacoma comes in. Our flexible in-home care options will support your cherished relative to live independently while also maintaining their security. Our experienced caregivers can help your family member make simple safety modifications around their home and provide companionship, which helps put your mind at ease. They are also skilled at providing help with light house cleaning, cooking, and personal care.
For more information or to set up a free initial consultation, please fill out our contact form or call us at 253-537-3700 today.