Tips to Help Seniors Be Independent At Home

According to the Administration on Aging, about 29 percent of the senior population lives alone. Contrary to popular belief, not every older person gets admitted to a nursing home in his or her lifetime. In fact, approximately 1.4 million Americans live in skilled nursing facilities, out of 41.4 million people over age 65.

If your aging loved one can safely lead an independent lifestyle, take the following steps to keep the home secure.

Eliminate the Hazards

Slip and fall accidents are very common among seniors. As the leading cause of death in older people, it’s important to modify the home to prevent falls:

• Common trip hazards include rug edges, electrical cords, clutter and pets.
• Inadvertent causes of falls include poorly lit rooms, slippery bathtubs, high shelves or cabinets and physical inactivity.

How can you combat these common causes of slips, trips and falls in the home?

• Install handrails, grab bars, slip-resistant bath mats and rugs and a wheelchair ramp.
• Clean up the grandkid’s and pet’s toys, remove any clutter and keep cords behind furniture.
• Install additional lighting in areas that need more illumination.
• Consider a personal emergency response system (PERS) to get help right away if needed.

Keep Seniors Busy

Living on your own can be lonely, especially when you have lost a spouse or close loved one. If your mom or dad enjoys going to church, playing bingo at the community center or taking nature walks, be sure to support these activities. Keeping busy can also prevent seniors from becoming inactive, which can lead to further health complications. Regular, low-impact exercise can be very beneficial for heart health at all ages!

Get Involved With Medical Care

Many seniors take multiple medications and have to keep track of blood sugar or blood pressure levels. To help your loved one remember which pills to take when, help organize a pill container. You can purchase one printed with days of the week and portion the medications out accordingly.

Set alarms on a smartphone or traditional clock, so your aging loved one will clearly hear the alert and know what to do. It may also be a good idea to attend their doctor’s appointments, so you can stay informed of any health changes.
 
West Hartford Health & Rehabilitation Center is a skilled nursing facility that specializes in short-term rehab, long-term care, dementia care and more. If you’re seeking professional nursing care for your aging loved one in a secure environment, contact us today to learn more about the admissions process.