Home is where the heart is, and for most seniors, their hearts are set on continuing to live at home as they age, rather than moving to a nursing home or assisted living facility – almost 90% of them, per stats from AARP. And who can blame them? Feeling comfortable in familiar surroundings, having the independence to come and go as you desire, experiencing the freedom to choose whatever meals you want, and eat them whenever and wherever you want – these abilities are simply priceless.
But although it sounds ideal in theory, there are a number of concerns to be addressed as well:
- Will the senior live well at home?
- How will he or she get around when driving, or even walking, becomes difficult?
- What happens if the senior becomes ill or injured and no one’s nearby to help?
Thankfully, it’s much easier now than in the past for the elderly to remain safe and live well at home. The following tips can be of assistance in taking the steps necessary to ensure your senior loved one is prepared for these and other needs, now and in the years to come:
- Assess the home, both inside and out, from the perspective of the senior’s safety. Check to make sure:
- Grab bars are in place near the bathtub and toilet.
- Throw rugs and other tripping hazards are removed.
- There’s plenty of lighting, including in hallways and stairways.
- Commonly used items are within easy reach.
- Emergency numbers are posted in a prominent location.
- Create an alternate transportation plan, so you can easily implement when the senior can no longer safely drive:
- Look into public transportation options that are available and easily accessible.
- Create a list of those the senior can rely on for help with transportation: friends, family members, neighbors, religious organizations, local senior centers, Live Well At Home, etc.
- Ensure the senior has access to the technology that can be used in an emergency to call for help when alone, such as a PERS (personal emergency response system).
Remember that the best way to ensure seniors remain safe and well cared for at home is by engaging the services of a professional in-home care agency, such as Live Well at Home. Live Well at Home’s California caregivers are experienced and have been trained in providing personal care services, transportation, meal preparation, and companionship, and are available for as much or as little care as needed.
We begin by putting together a personalized care plan to meet the senior’s specific needs and desires, and then monitor that plan ongoing and modify as needs change – making sure that the senior is always safe and able to live life to the fullest, where it’s most comfortable: right at home. Contact us at 916-459-3220 to learn more.