Here are a few tips to help combat potential hazards – like falling, phishing, or tripping – to help your loved ones stay safe at home.
1. Remove fall hazards
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 36 million older adults fall each year, and one out of every five falls causes an injury. Additionally, about three million older adults are treated in emergency departments annually for a fall injury. This shows the importance of helping to minimize the fall hazards seniors may face within their homes. In the bathroom, add a waterproof seat in the shower and place non-slip strips on the bathtub floor. for high-traffic areas, remove throw rugs in hallways, the bottoms and tops of stairs, bathrooms, and bedrooms.
2. Make the home more accessible
Minor home improvements can make a home more accessible. Little changes like swapping standard toilets out for high-profile toilets or changing doorknobs to lever handles are great ways to make a home more accessible for seniors. Other ideas include implementing ramps that cover steps, adding a stairlift, turning the bath into a walk-in shower, or widening doorways to accommodate wheelchair access.
If you need financial help, a home equity line of credit (HELOC) gives you a revolving line of credit secured by your home for significant expenses. A HELOC is secured with an asset, your home, though review all of the financial options available to you when preparing to make minor home improvements.
3. Implement cyber security
More and more senior citizens are taking advantage of electronics like laptops or cell phones. Technology has given them great ways to communicate and connect with friends and family. However, it’s important to remember the dangers of being online.
Aging adults can be vulnerable to online scams and phishing attempts. As a loved one or caregiver, educating them about online safety is imperative. There are many ways to keep your loved ones safe online, starting with explaining cyber security. Another way to implement security is to protect all their devices by installing anti-virus software or enabling automatic updates. Have them create strong passwords, write them down in a safe spot, and remind them to log out of accounts when they’re done using them. Assist them at any stage of this as needed. Education is an essential piece of preventing cyber security attacks.
4. Install home security
Home security is essential for people of any age, especially seniors who might feel more vulnerable. Unfortunately, aging adults tend to be more of a target for break-ins and criminal attempts because they are seen as less physically capable and might not be taking advantage of modern home security.
Browse a list of home security options to determine which is best for your loved ones. Not only is home security good for break-ins, but some systems are even equipped with fire detection, flood sensors, or carbon monoxide alarms. Others have health alert options that trigger an alert for immediate medical assistance. As you can see, there are plenty of reasons to invest in home security. Doing so will give you and your loved ones less to worry about.
As difficult as it may be to have your aging parent or parents living in a home alone, there are plenty of ways to make it a safer environment. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be able to rest easily, knowing your loved ones are safe at home.
by Emily Salanger, First Republic Bank
Credit: Unsplash