Essential Safety Tips for Seniors Living Alone

According to figures compiled by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) approximately 87 percent of individuals in the U.S. aged 65+ expect to be able to “age in place.” As the population ages, that means the numbers of seniors living alone — independently, or semi-independently, as long as possible will continue to grow.

But with aging in place, there are risks that need to be weighed. Is the home safe? Does it provide the necessary environment? Can the senior navigate the home without impediments?  What simple improvements can help? These are questions the professional caregivers at FirstLight Home Care can answer if you have seniors living alone.

Safety in the home is one of the most important factors in whether a senior can remain at home or not, so that is why FirstLight Home Care offers many resources for seniors and their loved ones, and much information—including our White Paper titled The Consumer’s Guide to Home Safety for Seniors – can be accessed through our website. Here are the TOP 11 improvements to help seniors remain safe at home, according to the report:

1-Levered doorknobs
2-Grab bars in bathrooms
3-Levered faucets in kitchen sink
4-Handrails on both sides of stairwells and on front and rear steps
5-Grab bars in showers
6-Removal of any door threshold
7-Movable shower heads for those who must sit
8-Portable shower seats
9-A bathroom with a bath/shower and a bedroom on the first floor
10-Widened doors to accommodate wheelchairs
11-Ramps for those using walkers and wheelchairs

Some of these improvements are simple and the cost is very low. It’s also possible that some of the costs for improvements can be reimbursed through Medicare or the senior’s insurance.

Before you decide if your senior can remain at home, or if you have questions about other topics related to caregiving, give us a call at 704-879-2394.  We have personal experience making changes for our family and also have had these conversations with many clients that find they need to make their home more accessible in order to stay safe.  We also have a list of local contractors that can make changes that can fit into any budget.

Caring is our Calling!