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Safe and Sound: The ‘Big 3’ Safety Considerations for Aging in Place
As we cherish the independence and comfort of living in our own homes, it’s crucial to address specific safety considerations that can ensure a secure and enjoyable environment. Have you asked yourself: ‘What can I do to help ensure my safety?’. You should prioritize these top three safety considerations to age safely and independently at home.
1. Simple Home Modifications for Fall Preventions
Falls are one of the leading causes of injury among seniors. However, there are simple home modifications you can make that will help significantly reduce your fall risk. Consider the following:
- Improve lighting: Adequate lighting is crucial, especially in hallways, staircases and night paths from the bedroom to the bathroom.
- Remove tripping hazards: Ensure that walkways and rooms are free of clutter, loose rugs and cords.
- Install grab bars and railings: These are essential in high-risk areas such as bathrooms and stairs.Need help with home modifications? ABC Home Healthcare can help! Our licensed contractors can help with all of the above safety improvements and beyond- making your home a safer place to live as you age your way!
2. Emergency Preparedness
Being prepared for emergencies is crucial for seniors living independently. Effective strategies include:
- Medical alert systems: A wearable device that can summon help at the push of a button can be literal lifesavers in an emergency.
- Keeping emergency contacts accessible: Have a list of your emergency contacts, including family, friends and healthcare providers, easily accessible.
- File of Life: This document contains your latest medical information- including allergies, list of medications, emergency contacts and more. Hang your File of Life on your refrigerator or another place within your home that is visible and easily accessible.
- Regularly check smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms: When you ensure your devices are functioning properly and that batteries are replaced regularly you can prevent disasters.
3. Medication Management
Do you take multiple medications? If you do and are not careful, an adverse reaction to a prescription might be misinterpreted as a new ailment, thus adding to your list of prescriptions!
To help manage your medications:
- Use pill organizers: These can help you keep track of your medications and ensure you take them correctly and on time.
- Regular reviews with healthcare providers: Regularly reviewing your medication with your doctor(s) or pharmacist can prevent dangerous interactions and side effects.
- Consider automatic pill dispensers: For those with cognitive challenges or those taking multiple medications, automated dispensers can provide reminders and dispense the correct doses at set times.
- Keep a medication record handy and bring it to all appointments!
If you find your medications are becoming more difficult to manage, give ABC a call. Our Medication Management program is designed to help keep you safe.
In order for you to age in place safely, it requires careful consideration and proactive measures, like those above. When you focus on these priorities, you will significantly enhance your safety, allowing you to continue to live independently and confidently. For more home safety tips, click here and see our ABC’s safety checklist!
