Key Security Measures for Senior Safety

Do you have an older loved one who is aging in place? You may be worried about their safety as they live independently in their own home.

Luckily, you can take security measures to ensure your loved one feels secure and you have peace of mind.

Read on to learn about some of the best household safety tips so your loved one can feel safe aging in place.

Cybersecurity Measures

If your loved one likes to go on the internet, there's a chance they have or will fall for a cybersecurity scam. Many of these scams present themselves as popups on websites.

Have a discussion with your loved one about not clicking on any popups. You can even configure their browser to block popups so there isn't as big a chance they will get hacked.

You should also teach them about email scams. If they receive a suspicious email with links or attachments, they shouldn't click on or download anything.

For more extreme measures, you can configure their internet settings to block some of the offending websites. Make sure their antivirus software is up to date, too.

Personal Safety Alerts

There is no doubt you've seen the commercials for Life Alert and other personal safety devices. The consensus is that they work.

What happens if your loved one takes a fall and can't reach the phone? They may have a stroke or cardiac event and be unable to dial 911.

With the click of a button, they can alert close contacts or emergency services. When it comes to things like strokes and heart attacks, timing is crucial. Every minute counts.

For technologically challenged users, these devices can be very simple. All your loved one has to do is press a button and the services they need will show up to help.

Keep Doors and Windows Secure

Although many threats exist in the digital realm, you still need to practice old-fashioned security measures for preventive safety.

Make sure your loved one knows about all of the security options that exist so they can be safe. Go over door and window locks with them.

If they have trouble remembering what to do, create a checklist they can use when they leave the house or they lock up for the night.

For additional comfort, try adding an external door such as a screen door. This door locks separately and provides another barrier of security for potential burglars.

They may look unattractive, but bars on windows do the trick for deterring criminals. If your loved one is worried about their aesthetic appeal, try putting them on the back windows instead.

Check Home Safety Regularly

Although you can do everything in your power to keep your loved one's home secure, you should always be aware of potential threats.

Schedule your own safety inspection periodically. Check on all of the measures you put in place to see if they serve their purpose. Ask your loved one if they're having trouble with anything.

Make sure the smoke detector and carbon monoxide detectors work as well. Your loved one may not realize they are out if there isn't an immediate threat.

Recognize Common Scams

Scams come in all shapes and sizes, and they aren't all internet or email tricks. Sometimes scammers operate the old-fashioned way, through phone calls or by going door-to-door.

Teach your loved one to not talk to anyone on the phone unless they are someone familiar. They shouldn't give out any personal information unless it's to a verified source, such as a doctor or a family member.

Medication Dispersal

Taking too much of a medication can be dangerous or even deadly. Medication management is a key component of senior home safety.

Go over all of your loved one's medications with them and how often they should be taken. You can include a cheat sheet so they can refer to it throughout the day.

Luckily, technology has advanced greatly in terms of medication dispersal for senior care. There are now inventions such as timed caps, which show the last time you opened the medication.

If your loved one is technologically savvy, you can set up alarms on their phone to alert them that they need to take their medication.

Make sure to remind them about other specifications, such as medications that need to be taken with food or water.

Avoid Falls

Falls are a common hazard in many senior homes. They often haven't learned to adjust their lifestyle to avoid incidents where they can fall.

Grab bars in slippery areas, such as the bathtub and shower, are important for senior home accessibility. If your loved one needs extra assistance you can install grab bars in every room for added security.

Some other measures you can take include adding anti-slip mats to places that get slippery when wet, like tile floors.

Get to Know the Neighbors

Even if you take care of your loved one, you may not be there all the time. In this case, it's good to have resources close to the person you care about.

If it's okay with them, ask your loved one's neighbors if they can keep you in the loop in case anything happens. Exchange contact information and check in with them occasionally.

Fire Prevention

A perfect senior living situation can be easily ruined by a fire. Even a simple flame will turn into a raging house fire if left unattended.

Along with checking smoke alarms periodically, you should go over an evacuation system with your loved one. They should know how to call the fire department and what to do to safely leave their home.

Remember These Household Safety Tips for Seniors

Dealing with an aging parent or relative doesn't have to be stressful. With these household safety tips, you can rest easy knowing your loved one is secure.

Are you thinking about assisted living as an option for your loved one? Vista Del Rio Senior Living is the perfect choice.

Reach out to us today to learn more about everything we have to offer as an assisted living community.