Seniors encounter several safety issues due to their deteriorating physical and mental health. This is the primary reason most families move their loved one to an assisted living center. Seniors may get injured due to memory problems, reduced physical strength, and poor eyesight. So how do assisted living facilities ensure the safety of their residents? The following are some ways these communities go out of their way to improve safety.
1. Adequate Support Equipment and Devices
Most assisted living communities understand that their residents may need assistance walking or bathing. Unlike their regular homes, assisted living facilities provide relevant equipment and devices to suit the elderly lifestyle.
Residents could benefit from access to wheelchairs and walking aids. Generally, walls, staircases, and bathrooms often have rails to support seniors. The staff is always on standby to provide more assistance if a resident experience challenges using the devices. This goes a long way toward preventing accidents and enhancing their experience.
2. Emergency Preparedness
What happens when your parent needs urgent medical assistance at home all alone? How do they get help? Such situations may push you into finding better solutions, like moving them into an assisted living community. Most facilities have emergency plans to keep residents safe.
The staff keeps track of residents' medical reports and medication, so they know how to respond to any medical emergency. Also, most facilities have health professionals and ambulances on standby, while some have emergency alerts that residents use to call for help. You will have peace of mind when there's an emergency plan in place to protect your loved one.
3. Health and Fitness Programs
Being proactive is one of the surest and best ways to ensure safety. Due to a weak body structure, many seniors are at risk of slip and fall accidents. This can be improved by encouraging residents to join fitness and wellness programs within the facility that can help boost strength and balance body postures. Some facilities also have fitness trainers to guide seniors and enhance their health and fitness.
4. Medication Management
Another challenge that could lead to health problems is medication. Your loved one will likely forget about medication or take more or less than the required dose. This could lead to further deterioration of their health. However, staff members at the assisted living facility will help them take medication and report their progress. This goes a long way toward preventing health and safety issues.
Safety is a common concern when looking for a suitable assisted living facility for your senior parent. Therefore, pay attention to these health and safety measures when searching for a senior home for your loved ones.
Reach out to assisted living facilities near you to learn more.
Older adults sometimes see nursing care as an all-or-nothing scenario. They assume they are either at home living independently, or they are in a nursing home where everything is done for them. This is not really the case, however. There are plenty of in-between options for older adults who need some care, but who may not need full nursing assistance yet. Assisted living centers allow this flexibility. Your older loved one can simply have their meals provided for them, or they can have around-the-clock care — or somewhere in-between. We invite you to explore the content provided to learn more.