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While people gain many rewards with age—wisdom, family, memories—it also becomes harder for them to do everyday things that once came easily. If you’re the child of a senior, it’s important to ensure your parent is living in an environment that’s conducive to their new lifestyle and abilities. Use the following safety senior living tips to help your loved one move around the house safely and confidently.

3 Home Safety Tips for Senior Living

1. Equip Them With a Cell Phone

Many slips and falls occur when seniors rush to answer their home phones. Even if it’s cordless, these phones often stay in a dedicated area in the house, which may not always be convenient for your loved one. With a cell phone and holster, they’ll enjoy peace of mind knowing they can make a call in the event of an emergency, and you can rest easy knowing they won’t fall in an attempt to pick up a call.

2. Assess the Lighting Design

senior livingWhether it’s a stormy day or the middle of the night, there will be times when your senior’s home is not illuminated by natural light. If certain areas are not well-lit, this may cause your parents to miss a step, trip on a stray object, or run into something—especially if their vision is deteriorating. Walk around your parent’s home at night in sunglasses to see if you can get around safely. If any problems arise, add another light or install brighter bulbs.

3. Ensure the Bathroom Is Safe

With its multiple plumbing fixtures and extreme temperatures, the bathroom can be a dangerous place for a senior. Luckily, you can make some changes that will still let your parent enjoy privacy. Install grab bars in the shower and near the toilet that will allow your loved one to steady themselves or stand up safely, and limit the water heater to 120 degrees to prevent burns. Take out any rugs without rubber bottoms, and lay a slip-resistant rubber mat in the shower.

 

If life at home has become unmanageable for your loved one, it might be time to consider a transition to a senior living community. Cathedral Towers of Atlanta, GA, is a top-tier apartment facility for seniors who want to stay active and social in a safe, supportive environment. For more information about their properties, call (404) 231-3020 or visit their Facebook page.

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