As the U.S. population ages, more seniors than ever before are choosing to remain in their homes for as long as possible. Known as “aging in place,” this growing trend allows seniors to maintain their independence and stay connected to their communities and loved ones.
However, aging-in-place seniors face unique senior safety hurdles within the home environment. Read on to explore the benefits of aging in place, its challenges, and how seniors in Las Vegas can age in place with peace of mind by prioritizing home safety.
Aging in Place: A Growing Trend in America
Aging in place refers to the choice many older adults make to remain in their homes and communities rather than move to retirement communities or assisted living facilities. This trend has become increasingly popular in recent years as more seniors look to maintain their independence and stay connected to their friends, families, and communities.
According to a 2021 AARP survey, nearly 90% of seniors want to stay in their current homes as they age. Aging in place allows seniors to continue living life on their own terms and can have numerous physical, emotional, and social benefits.
Aging in Place Creates Unique Senior Safety Challenges
Living independently as a senior comes with its own set of safety challenges. As the average person ages, their body becomes more fragile, their senses may diminish, and their mobility may decrease. These age-related changes can make everyday tasks more challenging and increase the likelihood of accidents and injuries.
Some common home safety issues seniors face include falls, which can result in life-threatening injuries or even death. Other independent seniors may have difficulty accessing necessary items due to reaching or bending limitations, necessitating the need for mobility-aiding modifications such as handrails or ramps.
Home Safety Modification Tips for Aging in Place Seniors in Las Vegas
Thankfully, there are several ways aging adults and their loved ones can modify the home environment to make it senior-friendly. Here are several ways to ensure a safer living environment for you or that special senior in your life:
Eliminate Trip Hazards
Trip hazards like loose rugs, cluttered walkways, electrical cords, and uneven flooring are a primary cause of injurious falls for seniors. Remove any loose rugs or secure them with non-slip backing to prevent accidents. Declutter walkways and ensure the flooring is even and free from obstacles to minimize the risk of tripping.
Beef Up the Lighting
Good lighting is essential for seniors, especially those with diminished vision, as it can help prevent falls and make it easier to see potential hazards. Install bright lights in hallways, stairways, and other high-traffic areas to improve visibility. Consider using motion-sensor lights in key areas to ensure pathways are always well-lit.
Make Items Easily Accessible
Due to mobility limitations, seniors sometimes struggle to reach or bend, making it essential to place commonly used items within easy reach. Consider using grab bars to improve stability and provide support when moving around the home. Adjustable-height countertops and shelves can also make it easier for seniors to access essential items without straining.
Incorporate Mobility Aids
Because getting around can be challenging for many seniors, consider installing handrails in hallways and stairways to provide additional support. Ramps can be added for wheelchair accessibility, making it easier for seniors with mobility impairments to move around the home safely. If stairs become too difficult to navigate, a stairlift can provide a convenient and secure way to access different levels of the home.
Invest In a Medical Alert System
Medical alert systems provide seniors and family caregivers peace of mind by offering a quick and easy way to call for help in an emergency. These systems typically come in the form of a wearable pendant or bracelet with a button that, when pressed, connects the user to a monitoring center. If a fall or other medical emergency happens, help can be dispatched immediately, providing added security for aging in-place seniors.
Create a Senior-Friendly Bathroom
With slippery floors, sharp corners, and tight spaces, the bathroom can be a dangerous place for seniors. Installing grab bars near the toilet and shower can offer additional support and stability, reducing the risk of accidents. Non-slip mats in the tub or shower can help prevent falls by providing traction on wet surfaces. Consider a raised toilet seat for added comfort and safety, making it easier for seniors to use the bathroom independently. Additionally, ensure the bathroom is well-lit and use grab bars to aid in balance and mobility.
Professional Home Care: Elevating Senior Safety to a Whole New Level
In addition to these home modifications, home care providers can play a vital role in ensuring the safety and well-being of aging clients. Here are five ways professional in-home caregivers can help create a senior-friendly home environment:
- Home safety assessments: Professional caregivers are trained to assess the home environment and identify potential safety hazards, ensuring their clients’ safety.
- Assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs): In-home caregivers can help seniors with tasks such as bathing, dressing, and meal preparation, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.
- Medication management: Caregiving professionals can help seniors manage their medications, ensuring they take them correctly to prevent adverse reactions or interactions.
- Fall prevention: Caregivers can assist with mobility and provide support when walking or transferring to reduce the risk of falls, a leading cause of injury in seniors.
- Coordinate with family members: Professional caregivers can collaborate closely with family caregivers to create a comprehensive care plan that addresses the senior’s unique needs and preferences.
Final Thoughts About Aging in Place and Senior Home Safety
Given the choice, most seniors would prefer to age in place in their current homes for as long as possible. Aging in place can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience for seniors, allowing them to maintain their self-reliance and stay connected to their communities. However, taking the proper steps to ensure a safe and secure home environment is essential for creating a senior-friendly space that supports daily activities and tasks.
Implementing these home safety tips empowers aging-in-place seniors, allowing them to create a secure and comfortable living environment that supports their independent lifestyles and overall well-being. In addition to enhancing safety, these home modifications promote peace of mind for seniors and their families. When needed, professional home care can serve as an added layer of protection in the home, helping to ensure seniors enjoy a safe and fulfilling living experience as their golden years play out!
An Extended Family in Your Aging-in-Place Senior’s Home
Helping an aging in-place loved one prioritize senior safety isn’t easy when you’re busy or live far away. When you need assistance, contact Essential Care in Las Vegas. As a fully licensed and accredited home care provider, our compassionate caregivers can step in and serve as an extended family in the home, ensuring your loved one’s safety and well-being. We offer a comprehensive lineup of in-home services tailored to your loved one’s unique needs, including 24 Hour In-Home Care, Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care, Hospice Support, Respite Care, Post-Surgery Recovery Care, and Long-Term Care, promoting peace of mind for the entire family.
While assisting clients in Las Vegas, Paradise, Centennial, Mesquite, Henderson, Spring Valley, North Las Vegas, Enterprise, Summerlin, Boulder City, Laughlin, and the surrounding areas, our agency’s focus is maintaining their quality of life, dignity, self-esteem, and independence. For your added convenience, all our home care services can be individually personalized into an affordable package when and where you need them! Please visit Essential Care now to learn more about how we help aging-in-place clients prioritize senior safety or schedule a free consultation for someone in our service area.
