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Evaluating the Senior's Needs

By recognizing the warning signs that an aging loved one is no longer able to live independently, families can help to prevent traumatic events – such as a life-changing fall – before they occur. It’s important for families to make informed decisions about their loved one’s needs before a crisis occurs.

It’s difficult for aging adults to admit that they need assistance with their daily lives. Seniors are often determined to downplay problems, which is far easier to do over the phone. If you live long distance, make plans to visit your loved one in their home to observe them and their environment. Keep in mind that age-related decline can occur quickly. Knowing what to look for and recognizing the signs that a loved one is unable to safely live alone is critical.

 

 

 

 

Four Critical Changes to Observe

During your visit to your loved one’s home, take note of any changes to the following:

  • Housekeeping & Tidiness
  • Diet
  • Personal Hygiene & Cleanliness
  • Attitude & Demeanor

It’s understandable if your loved one wants to stay in their home and maintain their independence. At a certain point, however, living arrangements may need to change for the sake of their safety and welfare.

If you’ve observed changes in your loved one, it doesn’t necessarily indicate that they need to move into a care community. In cases where housekeeping and meal preparation are a challenge, supportive services can be brought into the home. A cleaning service, meal delivery service, or a few hours of in-home care can help to meet those needs.

An Assist from Technology

There are many areas of the home that can be modified to keep your senior safe at home alone.  There are also alert devices, panic buttons, and camera systems to keep tabs on them.

New to the market is Alexa Together, which is an interet AI that can provide companionship as well as urgent response and remote assistance.

Home Safety Checklist

 There are many areas of a home that you should assess on a regular basis:
  • Access to a Phone
  • Adequate Lighting & Access to Switches
  • Floors Free of Trip Hazards
  • Rooms with Too Much Furniture Making it Hard to Get Around
  • Rooms too Cluttered
  • Secure Flooring
  • Hazardous Items Secure or Removed

We have created a checklist for you to print and take with you on your next visit.  We tried to include everything, but you might want to add a few more items of your own.  There is room to add items and take notes.

Risk of Falls

Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries in seniors 65 and older. In fact, nearly a third of seniors fall each year, and the majority of the time, these falls occur in their homes. Decreased bone density and fragile skin makes it more difficult for seniors to recover from falls.

There are a number of steps that you can take to reduce the risk of your loved one suffering from a potentially devastating fall.

  1. Review Our Safety Check List Regularly
  2. Remove all Throw Rugs.
  3. Secure any Loose Flooring.
  4. Install Wall to Wall Carpeting or Safety Strips on Slippery Floors.
  5. Remove Excess Furniture that Causes Trip Hazards.
  6. Remove Anything Else that Creates a Trip Hazard.
  7. Install Grab Bars and Hand Rails Where Needed.

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