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Senior Safety: 9 Items To Protect Seniors Living Alone
Everyone thinks about the safety of seniors living alone. It’s a common worry among adults who are starting their own families away from their senior parents or those who are temporarily away from home because of work. There are essential items though that can eliminate all the worries away. With these few senior safety devices, you can rest assured that your parents are having an easier time at home, enjoying independence while dodging the dangers of injuries common to older people.
1. Grab Bars
123rf.comOne of the most common places for seniors to fall is the bathroom. Installing sturdy grab bars can do the trick so rising from the bathtub or the toilet does not have to be such a tough balancing act. This is one of the most popular and well-thought-of fall prevention for seniors. While a stainless steel bar might provide more longevity, plastic handlebars are more economical. Some might even consider them safer. In case a senior individual still falls and unfortunately hits his head on the handlebar, it won’t cause as much injury. Just make sure that the plastic or rubber quality is still high.
2. Rubber Bath Mat
123rf.comHigh-quality rubber bath mats are essential for bathrooms if you have a senior in the house, especially if they are living alone. As mentioned, because of the presence of water and soap, the bathroom is a very accident-prone area for seniors. Not all bathmats are made the same, however. Make sure that you purchase ones that have a strong grip. There are also rubber mats treated with antibacterial solutions to keep away nasty growths on the mats.
3. Door Bells With Camera And Voice
123rf.comHome security for seniors is a must. This is why it is very important to install high-quality door bells, ideally with cameras and end-to-end voice intercom functions. This way, your senior parent can remotely see who is at the door and will not have to walk to the door to open it in a hurry. This will also provide ample protection for them since they are mostly left alone. Since they are not so agile anymore, robbers might take advantage of the situation. A camera doorbell, perhaps coupled with several CCTVs in the house could protect them. You can also have access to these senior safety devices to make sure that your parents are safe and sound.
4. Medical Alert Systems
123rf.comIf your senior parent has a medical condition, then it is a must for you to have medical alert systems. Some of these systems can be connected to your phone so you are automatically notified in case of emergencies. Others can be connected to their phones so that the device can dial emergency numbers in case something goes wrong and they are alone. Do invest in high quality and well-calibrated systems so as not to cause false alarms. In general, medical devices like this are essential for safety for seni0ors living alone.
5. Collapsible Walker
123rf.comEven if your parents can still walk most of the time unassisted, it is handy to have a collapsible walker at home. There are sturdy but lightweight ones made from aluminum. You can keep them and fold them in a corner if they are not needed. If ever your parents feel pain or are injured, they can simply use these handy and collapsible walkers to get around the house. This helps enforce independent living for seniors.
6. Reaching Stick Device
123rf.comAn assistive reaching stick, particularly the Reacher Grabber by Vibe is essential in any home of a senior living alone. Most accidents happen because something is placed too high or too far into the cabinet. With the help of a reaching stick, your senior parents to not need to run the risk of falling over just because they are trying to reach a jar in the pantry.
7. Simple Mobile Phones
123rf.comMost seniors are afraid of owning their own mobile phones because technology has gotten way too complicated. Given their condition, though, mobile phones are even more crucial, especially for home safety for the elderly. There are readily available smartphones specifically designed for seniors that are available online. These mobile phones hold all the essential apps without overcomplicating the interface for your senior parents. This is essential for ensuring safety for seniors living alone.
8. Shower Chair
123rf.comWhile some seniors might prefer taking a shower while standing upright, there will come a time when they will appreciate the presence of a shower chair. This way, falls can be prevented in the bathroom while they are taking a bath. This will also be handy if they are suffering from vertigo or rheumatism. Get one that has strong grips, lets the water flow, and is completely waterproof.
9. Cordless Electric Kettle
123rf.comYou can avoid fires in the kitchen and other accidents by investing in kitchen gadgets that can make things much easier. A simple cordless electric kettle can make you stop worrying about your parent leaving a boiling kettle on the stove. This way, they can enjoy that coffee without getting into any accident.
Ensuring Safety For Seniors Living Alone
123rf.comThere will come a point in time wherein you need to hire nurses to watch over your senior parents 24/7. However, letting them live independently has its perks. For one, they will have confidence that they can still take care of themselves. We will all go through this at one point. The best thing you can do is to ensure safety for seniors living alone by investing in a few elderly assistive devices.
The post Senior Safety: 9 Items to Protect Seniors Living Alone appeared first on Kellys Thoughts On Things.
