5 Tips for Keeping Your Elderly Loved Ones Safe
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As your loved one ages, their life’s quality and safety level need to remain constant. It’s upon you to think about all the possible ways to continuously promote their well-being, from guidance on the best lifestyle to adopt from nutritional prioritization to the best way to lead an active life. However, through mental health decline and immobility issues, seniors may be more vulnerable to safety and security, and this is where you come in as a family. Here are five tips to consider when keeping your seniors safe.
Educate Them About Scam and Financial Safety
Scammers and cybercriminals often target elderly individuals to try and exploit them for financial or delicate information gains. Share insight on all the possible shapes that scams take, from doorstep scams to fraudulent calls and phishing emails. Also, give them clear instructions on how to act.
This will make them skeptical when they spot questionable deals or when unsolicited calls and messages come their way. Emphasize also why they should be careful not to disclose financial and personal information to anyone. Help them shield against spam numbers by enrolling them in call-blocking solutions.
Stay Connected and Engaged
Due to mobility issues, it’s common for seniors to adopt a solitary and sedentary lifestyle. This isn’t recommended due to its negative effects on mental and physical health. The best way to deal with it is to contact them through video chats and ordinary calls.
Encourage them to boost their social life through involvement in community events. Alternatively, look at their hobbies and interests and enroll them in a relevant online course. For instance, you can book online yoga classes or art workshops depending on what they are interested in.
Arrange for Regular Health Assessments
Take the proactive step of arranging frequent medical visits, which allows timely identification and management of health concerns. As one ages, body performance and immunity levels tend to lower, and with this comes the risk of chronic conditions and age-linked issues like osteoporosis and urinary incontinence.
The doctors comprehensively evaluate the musculoskeletal system, dental health, and mental health through regular checkups, including taking vital signs. They’ll then determine progress and whether precautionary steps such as vaccinations or referrals to a physical therapy center are needed.
Create a Safe Living Environment
Modify the home as necessary to make it more accessible while minimizing obstacles. Begin by conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the property, during which you’ll identify hazards. Declutter the different spaces before organizing them.
For the staircases and bathrooms, have some handrails and grab bars for enhanced stability and support. You also want to factor in the visibility issue to reduce the risk of accidents, and this is where you install bright, quality lighting. It’s also prudent to have smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms and keep assessing their conditions.
Consider an Assisted Living Community
These settings offer the right support for individuals in their golden years through a supportive environment. Enroll your loved one in one, and you’ll see their life’s quality and vibrancy rise steadily. The management of these centers has well-structured programs and hires competent staff who will professionally and passionately handle the seniors.
Most of these facilities have senior-friendly buildings that promote independence during large portions of the day. These facilities also provide individualized care plans tailored to each occupant’s needs, ranging from assisting with daily activities to memory care programs. At Longhouse assisted living households, for instance, you can expect dedicated staff members willing to provide empathetic and professional care, ensuring your loved one receives the attention and support they deserve.
Endnote
It’s satisfying to know that your elderly loved one is safe and not a target for scammers. You have a huge role in enhancing their protection, like sensitizing them to things to watch out for. Consider also elevating the conduciveness of their living environment and prioritizing their medical checkups.
