The Senior Safety Dance...Tips For Aging Safely

June is National Safety month. And one of the first things I try to assess when helping clients is looking for those areas that could be safety hazards. While I am not a home safety expert, I do feel as though I have a good eye for creating safer, less cluttered spaces. The issue, of course, is that for most of the people needing a fresh set of eyes on their home that cannot necessarily afford to pay for it. Although I don't know what the financial situation was for the man who recently died in a house fire due to an extreme hoarding situation, I do know that he clearly needed some form of intervention. It's, as I say all the time, heartbreaking when this is the end result of having so much stuff that it results in bodily damage and/or death, especially for seniors aging in place.

I've worked with a lot of seniors through the years and it's been relatively split between aging in place vs. transitioning to some form of senior living. And while there are still safety issues to consider in any assisted living or memory care community, there are federal and state guidelines and systems in place to provide a bit more protection for things like fall prevention, medication management, emergency preparedness and overall physical and mental health.

For seniors who make the decision to age in place, though, it is left to them and hopefully some engaged family members to make the necessary adjustments to reduce risks and support well-being and that does include removing things that you may still like and even use but may not be practical to keep anymore. This is why having some helpful tips for aging safely in your home are so important to keep in mind.

Assessing the Home Environment for Safety

One of our Realtor partners here on the Colorado Front Range, Guida Homes, recently had a workshop entitled "Safety Dance For Seniors" (and, yes, I did "steal" the idea for the title of this blog from them...thanks ladies 😉) and although I wasn't able to attend, I did hear about the various safety recommendations they discussed including a free lock box program that exists in the City of Arvada where the workshop took place but also several other communities around the Greater Denver/Boulder area. Anyone can apply to receive a box that is intended to hold a key to your home and placed somewhere that local authorities, family and friends can access in the event of an emergency. Personally, I think this is something every home should have because so many lives would be saved whether it is a hoarder situation like the one mentioned above or not.

But getting into the home and past any clutter is just the beginning of the safety checklist to consider. Other common risk factors include slippery floors, poor lighting, and difficult-to-reach items. A thorough safety assessment will reveal areas needing improvement and by thorough, I do mean bringing in a company that specializes in safety.

So what will they be looking for and recommending?...

Some tips for aging safely

• Removing or at the very least securing rugs or carpets that could cause trips.

• Ensuring all rooms have adequate lighting, especially stairways and hallways.

• Installing handrails on stairs and grab bars in bathrooms.

• Arranging frequently used items within easy reach to avoid stretching or climbing.

• Biohazard issues like a mice or bug infestation, mold and any other potentional toxins that are simply not healthy living situations. While It's Just Stuff can certainly handle most clutter, we will not go into any home that is considered a biohazard situation and will recommend a service that can handle the contaminated items, junk removal and sanitization of the home once the proper clearing has taken place.

Installing Safety Devices and Technology

I am not someone who has really embraced a lot of home technology but that may be because I have been a renter for the past 10+ years and I haven't felt the need for even a video doorbell. Unfortunately, recent events in my life (as in dealing with a stalker...a story for another blog...queue a BIG...HEAVY...SIGH) have led me to have to now consider getting one of those systems. But I am paying attention to the latest devices and whatnot that are especially designed with seniors in mind to help monitor for medical emergencies and falls (via motion sensors) as well as ones that automatically shut off appliances to reduce fire risks or control lighting, locks and thermostats remotely. Keep in mind that most seniors these days do need technology that is easy to use and reliable so be sure to choose wisely and get trained properly.

Preventing Falls and Injuries

Falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults. Preventing falls requires a combination of environmental changes and personal habits.

• Use non-slip mats in bathrooms and kitchens.

• Keep floors dry and clean up spills immediately.

• Wear supportive, non-slip footwear indoors.

• Engage in regular exercise to improve balance and strength.

• Arrange furniture to create wide, clear pathways.

• Use nightlights to illuminate routes to the bathroom.

  
  

I network with a lot of senior home care professionals and I often hear them talk about how just making sure seniors are getting regular vision and hearing check-ups will help them stay aware of their surroundings and avoid accidents.

Managing Medication Safely

Proper medication management is crucial to avoid harmful side effects or missed doses but if you/your loved one is no longer able to manage your medication it may be time to hire a home care aide to assist with this particular issue. But the following is a checklist that should be adhered to whether you are still dispensing medications to yourself or have someone else doing it for you to maintain consistency and, of course, safety...

• Use pill organizers to sort daily medications.

• Set alarms or reminders for medication times.

• Keep an updated list of all medications and share it with healthcare providers.

• Dispose of expired or unused medications safely.

• Review medications regularly with a pharmacist or doctor to check for interactions.

Building a Social Support Network

Even with a safe home, social support plays a vital role in senior safety and well-being. It is so heartbreaking when I work with a senior that is dealing with loneliness and isolation, something I touched on in last month's blog. It is one of the biggest reasons that clutter does accumulate more rapidly for seniors than any other demographic because the are overcompensating by having their stuff fill the need for companionship. So the best advice I can give is...

• Maintain regular contact with family, friends, or neighbors.

• Arrange for periodic check-ins or visits.

• Join community groups or senior centers for social activities.

• Consider hiring professional caregivers for assistance with daily tasks.

• Use phone or video calls to stay connected when in-person visits are not possible.

  
  

Remember...a strong support network helps detect problems early and provides emotional comfort.

Emergency Preparedness

Once again, the man who died in the house fire mentioned in the article at the beginning was far from prepared for an emergency. He created the emergency by leaving his oven door open to heat his home. I doubt he realized, though, it would end the way it did. Whenever I do a consult, one of the first questions I ask is whether they have smoke, radon or carbon monoxide detectors and if so, how old are they as well as when was the last time the batteries were replaced. During a recent senior downsizing job, I kept hearing that beeping noise that indicates some detector needs a new battery. When we found the culprit buried under a pile of stuff, we discovered a carbon monoxide detector that was actually expired. Luckily there was no actual carbon monoxide exposure but what if there had been? It doesn't take long for the poisoning to take affect.

Having these detectors, though, is not enough in case of an emergency. Seniors should know how to use emergency devices and feel confident in their response plan, so think about...

• Creating an emergency plan that includes evacuation routes and contact information.

• Keeping a list of emergency numbers near phones.

• Storing essential supplies such as water, food, medications, and flashlights.

• Practicing drills for fire, severe weather, or medical emergencies.

Maintaining Mental and Physical Health

Safety extends beyond the physical environment. Mental and physical health influence a senior’s ability to live independently. I will go to my own grave believing the science behind the effects of clutter on anyone's mental and physical health and do everything in my power to get seniors to understand the burden of their stuff but other things to always consider include...

• Regular physical activity suited to abilities.

• A balanced diet and hydration.

• Mental stimulation through hobbies, reading, or learning.

• Recognizing signs of depression or cognitive decline.

The Decision Is Yours...Sort Of

If you or someone you care about has decided to age in place, please take all of the above into consideration. I know some seniors refuse to give up their independence even though they should from a safety standpoint sooner rather than later, but forcing someone to move against their will often presents a whole other set of issues, sometimes leading to social services getting involved and losing the ability to make decisions for yourself moving forward. That said, those resources are seriously overloaded and more seniors are and will no doubt continue to fall through the cracks in the system or simply be ignored resulting in more illness and injury and in some cases, a premature death.

As usual, I don't have the answers for all of the problems in the world and it isn't necessarily my job to implement safety measures, but it is my job to be a caring human and will always bring in the proper resources when I feel there is a need for someone with more expertise than me to intervene.

If you are currently aging in place and would like to do a virtual consult to help assess whether we can help in creating a safer environment please do not hesitate to reach out by calling 720.637.2492 or filling out our contact form by clicking HERE.