{"id":2176,"date":"2024-11-28T09:41:00","date_gmt":"2024-11-28T09:41:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theclaiborne.com\/hattiesburg\/?p=2176"},"modified":"2024-11-07T21:08:09","modified_gmt":"2024-11-07T21:08:09","slug":"home-safety-tips-for-the-senior-in-your-life","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theclaiborne.com\/hattiesburg\/home-safety-tips-for-the-senior-in-your-life\/","title":{"rendered":"Home Safety Tips for the Senior in Your Life"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you have an aging parent or family member who lives on their own, you might feel a mix of emotions. On the one hand, you may feel grateful that they live in the comfort of their own home with a feeling of independence and security. On the other hand, you might constantly worry about their well-being and safety. <\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In the United States, about 27% of adults 60 and over live alone. While it\u2019s true that living alone can be seen as a sign of independence, it can also put adults at risk for mental health concerns\u2014like loneliness and isolation\u2014and physical health concerns\u2014like falls and other hazards. <\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

To keep your parent(s) safe and independent for as long as possible, Claiborne Senior Living is sharing some home safety tips to implement. We\u2019re also sharing tips on when to know it could be time for assisted living. <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Remove Clutter <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Falls are the leading cause of injury in older adults. Fortunately, many falls can be prevented by keeping the home free of clutter and other hazards. Here are some steps you can take to help fall-proof your parent\u2019s house:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep the Space Free of Clutter. Not only does clutter add stress, but it can also be a safety hazard. Ensure your parent\u2019s home, especially the floor space, is free from piles of clothes, books, pet toys, or any other miscellaneous items that could make it challenging to navigate or easy to trip.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remove Unnecessary Throw Rugs. Try to limit the number of throw rugs and runners in your parent\u2019s home. While it can be safe to add them to slick, hardwood floors, ensure that each rug has a slip-proof rubber backing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Avoid Loose Cords and Wires. Stretching extension cords across the floor can be a significant hazard. If they\u2019re necessary, try to cover them with furniture or attach them to the floor with duct tape.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maintain a Clean House <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Some older adults may have trouble cleaning hard-to-reach places in the bathroom, changing the air filters, or doing all-around general cleaning and maintenance. This can result in health hazards like mold and dust, which can exacerbate certain health conditions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To avoid this happening, ensure that your parent\u2019s home gets a thorough cleaning at least once a month to prevent mold and dust from accumulating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep Emergency Numbers Handy <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In the event of an emergency, your mom or dad might not be composed or tech-savvy enough to look up a certain phone number. To help them, write a list of emergency numbers and contacts and leave it in a place where it\u2019s easily seen. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ensure Stair Safety <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If your parent\u2019s home has stairs, make sure that the staircase itself is sturdy and secure, with no loose railings. Clear the stairs of all clutter and ensure there\u2019s proper lighting above the steps. If your parent has trouble differentiating between the steps, you can place a piece of contrasting tape on each step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is It Time for Assisted Living? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While it\u2019s important to keep your parent\u2019s home as safe as possible, sometimes it\u2019s simply not enough to keep them safe, happy, and healthy. Here are some indications that your parent(s) can no longer live safely independently and could benefit from a community setting like assisted living. <\/p>\n\n\n\n