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It is difficult seeing loved ones age and it is just as frustrating to go through the process yourself. Looking in the mirror, if you are a few decades along, can bring a surprise every now and then. Time passes so very quickly. One day you are out running around, and the next day you are retired and enjoying your golden years.Β
While enjoyment is the goal, you still need to stay safe when you are living your life to the fullest. If you find yourself in need of extra assistance when going about your daily activities, keep reading for some useful tips to help when and where you need it most.
Staying Safe At Home
Many people wish to stay in their own homes as they advance in age. If this is still a viable option, you should take proactive steps to ensure that you can continue to do so for as long as you are able.
Here are actionable items you can easily tackle to make your home safer.
- Use a Digital Personal Alarm – These act as emergency buttons for the elderly. If you find yourself at home alone or with a loved one who needs emergency assistance beyond what you are able to provide, a digital personal alarm can help.Β
The most convenient set-ups offer a wrist pendant that is worn like a watch or a neck pendant that is worn like a necklace. They each have an embedded button that, when pushed, alerts a 24/7 monitoring service.
The monitoring service will already have your name and address as this information will be provided during set-up. The device should have a two-way speaker to communicate with the company. They will contact your designated family members, friends, or emergency services as appropriate.Β
- Assess the Floors – Two major problems that older people find themselves confronting is a change in balance and range of mobility. This can directly impact their stride and walking in general. With that in mind, it is best to look at the flooring throughout your entire home.
Look for area or throw rugs that have too high of a nap or are too plush to easily walk across without lifting your feet higher than usual. If any rugs are of a suitable height, purchase some low-tack double-sided tape to keep the corners down and prevent tripping. If you would rather, you can remove the rugs altogether to eliminate the potential for tripping.
Take note of places in your home where the flooring differs from another area. There will likely be a transition strip placed between the carpet and tile, for example. If the transition strip is raised or bulky, have a lower-profile strip installed. If you cannot do that, consider installing a grab bar on the wall to provide support when moving between these two areas of your home.
Watch this video to learn how one government service helped an elderly person in her home and maximized the heating efficiency.
Prioritize making positive changes for your continued safety at home. Once you have finished, you will feel better knowing you have taken the steps to reduce stress in your life and live safely.