How to Keep the Elderly Safe & Healthy
As your loved ones age, their needs for safety and security also change. They may require help with daily activities, managing medications, cooking, cleaning, and staying on their feet.
There are a number of ways to ensure that the elderly stay safe and healthy. One option is to hire senior homecare to help them with activities of daily living. While hiring a professional is a great way to keep your elderly relative safe and sound in their home in Beverly Hills, there are other ways you can protect their wellbeing. Keep reading to find out exactly how!
What are the safety and security needs of the elderly?
The elderly have age-specific needs, and they may be in danger or fear of becoming a victim of the following stressors and accidents:
- Falls – if their surroundings aren’t adjusted properly, the elderly can easily slip and fall during everyday activities, which can be life-threatening.
- Crime – the elderly are more likely to be targets of property crimes such as burglary and theft.
- Diseases – When their immune system is compromised, they need to be kept safe from infectious diseases. Many elderly people are very concerned and worried about diseases.
- Stress – the elderly can react negatively to a variety of stressful situations, so it’s important to keep the stress at minimal levels. For example, they will react negatively to highly emotionally charged situations, and become irritable, or depressed due to sudden changes in their surrounding.Â
- Emergencies – many seniors live alone and may need additional assistance in case of an emergency, as they can be exposed to greater risks of residential fire,Â
How do you help the elderly feel safe?
While it’s important for elderly people to take steps to protect themselves, it’s also important for their families and loved ones to do what they can to help them feel safe. There are a number of ways to address their safety needs:
Creating a support network
One of the best ways to keep the elderly safe and secure is to create a support network. This can involve family members, friends, neighbors, or even carers.
The key is to make sure that there are people who can check in on the elderly person on a regular basis. This way, if anything happens, there will be someone nearby who can provide assistance.
Adjusting their environment
It’s important to adjust the living environment of an elderly person to their age and specific needs. First of all, you should ensure the home is well-lit, both inside and out. Install motion-sensor lights around the perimeter of the home.
Secondly, you will need to remove any trip hazards from the yard, such as loose stones or tree roots. Keep the walkways clear of snow and ice in winter.
Finally, you should check the smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors monthly, and change the batteries as needed.
How to keep the elderly household healthy?
Many elders face issues with their health as they age. To keep our elderly household members healthy, there are a few things we can do.
Physical activity
First, we should make sure they are getting enough exercise. Exercise helps to maintain our muscle strength and flexibility, both of which can deteriorate as we age. Taking a light walk through Beverly Gardens Park is a great way to stay active, soak in nature, and relax.
Healthy diet
Second, we should encourage them to eat a healthy diet. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains provides the nutrients our bodies need to function properly. They also need to stay hydrated throughout the day.
Keep it clean & germ-free
The elderly can be more prone to contracting infectious diseases and may struggle to keep their home hygienic. This is why they usually need some help disinfecting the bathroom and kitchen, and keeping their household nice and tidy. Making regular visits and paying attention to disinfection can go a long way. They’ll be less worried about viruses and bacteria, and a clean house will boost their mood.Â
Who can help me find reliable & client-focused senior homecare in Beverly Hills?
If you’re looking for experienced and reliable senior care, then you need to contact our referral agency. At A Better Way in Homecare, we offer in-home assistance with a wide range of tasks, from light housekeeping to personal care.
If your loved one doesn’t want to go to a senior home, in-home care is a great solution. You can empower them by helping them get assistance in their own home. This will help you build trust with them as it will show respect & compassion.Â
Whether your loved one needs full-time assistance or just a few hours of help each week, we can find the right caregiver to provide the support they need. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you and your family.