As we age, seemingly simple activities become gradually more challenging due to physical impairments. It is incredibly important to make sure that all precautions are taken to ensure the safety of seniors in their homes, and especially in their

Mobility

Elderly family members typically have a more difficult time getting into and out of bed. One way to facilitate this is to adjust the height of the bed accordingly – such as raising it off the ground. Beds that are extremely low to the ground are far more challenging for seniors to lie down in and can cause back pain or other problems when they strain to push themselves up and out of bed. Additionally, altering the height of the bed can reduce the risk of falls.

Consider investing in a bed that can be adjusted with a remote control. This will provide your elderly family member with more independence and allow them to establish which height and bed position is most comfortable for them.

Comfort

One of the main concerns with senior health is the frequency of sleep issues. Finding the right mattress which offers support and the proper amount of firmness can improve sleep and decrease the frequency of sleeplessness, a common problem amongst the elderly.

Warmth

Another cause of poor sleep for seniors is caused by body temperature. As we age, our circulatory systems function less efficiently leaving us feeling chilly and with cold extremities, such as hands and feet. This is especially true as we sleep when our bodies are less active so it is crucial to make sure that seniors are provided with sufficient blankets overnight and that their thermostats are set to warm the house during the course of the night.

General Senior Safety

Seniors with poor vision can easily trip on cables, wires or bedspreads that are lying along the floor. Ensure that any wires are safely hidden or taped down and not stretched in an area where people walk. Make sure that any walking areas are cleared of clutter, especially smaller items that may be difficult to see. Avoid curtains and bed linens that reach the floor.

If your elderly family member has a space heater in the bedroom for additional warmth, be sure to place this heater very far from the bed in order to ensure that no bedclothes are able to come in contact with it and potentially cause a fire.

To prevent falls at night, light pathways with nightlights and be sure to have a bedside lamp within easy reach so your senior family member can easily see where they are going if they are to wake up in the middle of the night. Always have a flashlight in the nightstand drawer in case of power failures.

Providing your elderly family member with a home medical alert device can also provide them with extra independence and security as they can continue with their daily activities with the comfort of knowing that help is just the push of a button away. These medical alert systems are particularly beneficial for senior citizens who still have active lifestyles, but who want the security of instant professional help if it is ever needed.

Many of these adjustments are cheap, quick and easy to implement and can drastically improve the quality of life of a senior citizen. For the millions of seniors who choose to age at home, safety is a top priority and must not be overlooked by families and caregivers. The key to ensuring a happy and safe home life for some elderly family members is to eliminate potential hazards and set up as many safety nets as possible. Stay tuned for future articles on safety tips for your kitchen, living room and more.