As the holiday season has passed, you may have realized that an aging loved one could benefit from more support at home. Perhaps they are less mobile than they once were, or you have noticed that they are becoming more forgetful. When you're beginning from scratch, it can be difficult to figure out what you can do to keep your loved one(s) safe.
Integrate non-medical home care for optimal health and safety. Golden Horizons Elder Care offers comprehensive support, including assistance with homemaking tasks (light housekeeping, errands, meal preparation), companionship services (rides to appointments, engaging in walks, participating in social activities), and personal hygiene support (bathing, dressing, toileting, medication reminders). At Golden Horizons, we encourage you to get to know us before you need us. Once care is initiated, whether in small or larger amounts, adjustments in hours can be easily made to meet evolving requirements. Gradual introduction of assistance can be a beneficial approach to familiarize an elderly loved one with the idea of extra support. Moreover, having care in place serves as a preventive measure against various health concerns, such as malnutrition, inadequate personal hygiene, social isolation, falls, and illnesses like urinary tract infections.
Enhance the safety of your loved one's home with thoughtful optimizations. Small adjustments can significantly impact the overall safety within an elderly family member's residence. Prioritize well-lit and clutter-free walkways and stairs, ensuring slip-resistant surfaces for small rugs and runners. Address staircase safety by avoiding loose carpeting, installing sturdy handrails, and refraining from storing items on steps. Mitigate electrical hazards by placing cords away from traffic flow, promptly replacing frayed or cracked cords, and avoiding running cords under carpets or furniture. It is crucial to maintain operational smoke detectors and strategically install grab bars where necessary. These safety enhancements are just a glimpse of the various improvements that can and should be implemented in the home of an elderly loved one.
Harness the power of technology to bolster your loved one's safety, especially when they are home alone. Consider investing in an emergency help button designed for seniors, worn around the neck and easily accessible to alert first responders in case of a fall or medical emergency. Embrace non-traditional technological solutions like Google Home or Amazon Echo devices, offering the elderly an interactive way to set reminders, make emergency calls, order essential items, control lights, and establish a consistent morning/evening routine through communication with "Google" or "Alexa." Another valuable tech tool is the use of cameras or nanny/baby monitors (with consent), providing an added layer of security by monitoring your loved one's well-being, especially if they tend to move around during the night.
For more information on senior safety and care, please visit www.goldenhorizonseldercare.com or contact (860)-388-1788. Regardless of where you are in the process, we are delighted to discuss your options!