4 Tips For Helping Seniors Live Independently

15 October 2014

Jaime Allen

We all love our independence, and it's an important consideration for aging seniors as well. Preserving independence while balancing it with key safety considerations can allow our loved ones to stay independent as long as possible. Use the following tips to help seniors stay safe while retaining their independence.

Optimizing Home Safety

Is your loved one's home or living space set up for safe living in their golden years? Do they have any disabilities, illnesses or limitations that hinder their independence? Make adjustments to their home as needed, including:

• Arrange the kitchen to position frequently used items within close reach.
• Install grab bars near the toilet and in the shower for safety in the restroom.
• Apply non-slip paint or rubber mats on porches, in hallways or in other potentially slick areas of their home.

Educate About Risks

Unfortunately, seniors can become targets for scams as they get older. You may love that they are sweet and trusting, but this also makes them potentially vulnerable.

• Remind seniors to never to give out their social security numbers, credit card information, bank account numbers or other personal information to strangers.
• Provide them with a mailbox that locks so their mail cannot be stolen.
• Remind them to be discerning when strangers call or solicitors come to their home.

Medical Safety

Seniors who live independent lives in their own homes can be at risk for accidents or the the sudden onset of an illness. The more efficiently a senior gets help for a slip and fall or other medical crisis, the higher their chances of making a full recovery. Consider signing up your loved one for a medical alert service if they are living alone, or make arrangements for assisted independent living.

Enhance Exterior Home Security

You should also take extra measures to make sure your loved one's home doesn't look appealing to potential intruders.

• Trim excess brush and foliage away from windows and doors so that burglars will not be able to use them for cover.
• Install locks on first floor windows and remind your loved one to always lock windows and doors before bed at night.
• Invest in a home security system for your senior loved one that monitors for break-ins as well as heat, smoke and fire.
• Consider getting them get a pet dog, which can act as a burglar deterrent as well as provide valuable companionship.

Staying independent is important, but these tips can help you to make sure that senior independence is balanced out with safety and security.

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