How to Help Seniors Feel Safer at Home

Homecare in Sauk Centre MN: How to Help Seniors Feel Safer at Home

Living alone can be tough. Sure, it is nice to feel independent and self-sufficient, but it is hard to feel independent and self-sufficient when you hear a noise in the middle of the night, and no one is around to help you in case it is a burglar.

Many elderly men and women prefer to live alone as long as possible, even if they have medical conditions. A large portion of those men and women, though, also feel unsafe in their house by themselves. Here are some ways to make their home more secure, so that they can feel safer as they live independently.

• Prevent falls – One of the worst things that can happen to a senior who lives alone is falling and not being able to get back up. They may lie on the floor for hours or even days, waiting for someone to come find them. Luckily, many falls can be prevented with a bit of foresight. Make sure that all of the rugs or carpets in your loved one’s house are smooth, with no lumps or folds in them, and that the edges are taped down to prevent sliding or tripping. Keep walkways clear of junk, and make sure that there are handrails next to any set of stairs, as well as near the tub or shower so that your loved one can support themselves.
• Consider an alarm system – Alarm systems can be a great way to make anyone feel more secure. Even just having a sign for an alarm company in your front yard can prevent a burglar from targeting your house, and just knowing that they have an alarm that will sound and alert the authorities if there is a break-in can help your loved one sleep much easier.
• Consider getting a dog – Not every dog is a guard dog, but every dog sounds mean to a stranger when they bark! If your loved one lives alone and is still capable of taking care of a pet, they might really enjoy having a dog for many reasons. Not only would the dog keep them company, but the dog could help them to feel safer at home alone, because it could offer some protection from anyone who might try to harm them.
• Consider home care – If your loved one is having other issues, like falling often or forgetting to take their medications, their safety might not just depend on the house. If you are concerned that your loved one isn’t taking care of themselves well enough on their own, you might consider hiring a home care aide to help them with their daily tasks. The home care aide can help them cook and clean, and they can be there to make sure that they are safe during the day.

If your aging loved one can still live on their own, that’s great, and you should encourage them! If they feel unsafe, though, you might try some of the ideas listed above to make their living situation feel more comfortable for both them and you.

If you or an aging loved-one are considering in-homecare in Sauk Centre, MN, please contact the caring staff at Alternative Senior Care today. Providing Home Care in Central Minnesota and Surrounding Communities. Call us Today (320) 352-3350.