{"id":5211,"date":"2023-12-13T08:46:27","date_gmt":"2023-12-13T16:46:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/?p=5211"},"modified":"2023-12-13T08:46:29","modified_gmt":"2023-12-13T16:46:29","slug":"safety-tips-for-aging-adults-staying-safe-in-your-golden-years","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/safety-tips-for-aging-adults-staying-safe-in-your-golden-years\/","title":{"rendered":"Safety Tips for Aging Adults: Staying Safe in Your Golden Years\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Summary<\/strong>&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;<br>\t\u2022 Keeping seniors safe involves more than just preventing falls and making adjustments to the home.&nbsp;<br>\t\u2022 Safety tips for seniors also include car safety, safety while traveling, and online safety.&nbsp;<br>\t\u2022 Older adults with conditions like Alzheimer\u2019s and dementia may require extra help to navigate their homes and take their medications.&nbsp;<br>\t\u2022 It\u2019s important for senior loved ones to get their daily exercise to prevent muscle weakness and avoid injuries inside and outside the home.&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure><p>When it comes to the safety of aging loved ones, we shouldn\u2019t take any chances. But what can we do to keep ourselves and our older family members safe?&nbsp;<\/p><p>In the modern world, our aging parents may&nbsp;face new challenges with each passing year. So knowing how to keep them safe can feel overwhelming at times.&nbsp;<\/p><p>Whether you\u2019re a new caregiver embarking on a journey with your loved one, or you\u2019re the one entering this phase of your life, we\u2019ve put together a list of the best tips to help ensure your peace of mind.&nbsp;<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Are the Most Important Aspects of Safety for Seniors?&nbsp;<\/h2><p>When you think of senior safety, the first thing that comes to mind is probably fall prevention.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/injury\/features\/older-adult-falls\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Injuries from falls<\/a> are one of the greatest concerns for seniors and the leading cause of injury among older adults \u2014 but it isn\u2019t the only thing that threatens the safety of our aging loved ones.&nbsp;<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Home Safety&nbsp;<\/h2><p>There are several aspects to consider when it comes to home safety, and it might be difficult to know where to begin.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p><p>This is especially true if a loved one suffers an injury or receives an unexpected diagnosis that makes their current home unsuitable for their needs.&nbsp;<\/p><p>When it comes to home safety and anticipating the changes you\u2019ll have to make for old age especially if you or a loved one would like to age in place \u2014 starting early is advisable.&nbsp;<\/p><p>When you get a head start, there\u2019s a greater chance of having enough time and money to finish the necessary renovations to live safely as you age.&nbsp;<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fall prevention\u00a0<\/h3><p>Fall injury is a great risk for older adults, and once you\u2019ve had one fall, you\u2019re more likely to fall again. There are several things you can do to prevent falls, including the following:&nbsp;<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Installing grab bars.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n<li>Ensuring there\u2019s adequate lighting in dark areas \u2014 this includes installing night lights.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n<li>Making sure that light switches are within easy reach.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n<li>Removing loose rugs and other objects to avoid tripping over them.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n<li>Installing a raised toilet seat that is easier to use.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n<li>Using a medical alert device with fall detection \u2014 more on this below.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul><p>For a more comprehensive list of changes you can make to your home, use our fall prevention <a href=\"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/fall-prevention-checklist-for-aging-adults\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">checklist<\/a> and the National Institute on Aging\u2019s guidelines for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nia.nih.gov\/health\/preventing-falls-home-room-room\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">preventing falls room by room<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p><h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What about home modifications for seniors with health conditions?&nbsp;<\/h4><p>An aging adult with special needs or an existing health condition \u2014 such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/dementia-home-safety-checklist-how-to-dementia-proof-your-home\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">dementia<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/caring-for-alzheimers-patients-at-home\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Alzheimer\u2019s<\/a> \u2014 will need additional help when it comes to their safety inside and outside the home.&nbsp;<\/p><p>To ensure you meet all your loved one\u2019s special needs, consider getting help from professionals like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nahb.org\/education-and-events\/education\/designations\/certified-aging-in-place-specialist-caps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists (CAPS)<\/a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p><p>CAPS are experts in home modifications for aging in place. They will work with you and other professionals \u2014 like health care and social workers \u2014 to transform a home into the safest, most comfortable place for your aging loved ones.&nbsp;<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fire safety&nbsp;<\/h3><p>Fire is another top hazard for aging adults. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncoa.org\/article\/hidden-home-hazards-older-adults-more-likely-to-die-from-falls-and-fires\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">fire death rate<\/a> is 14 times higher for people over 65 than for people younger than 65.&nbsp;<\/p><p>By taking some simple precautions, you can reduce the risk of fire and protect yourself and your home.&nbsp;<\/p><p>Always keep a fire extinguisher handy, and purchase the right one for your needs.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p><p>The fire extinguisher should be easily accessible and someone in the home. Either yourself or a caregiver should know how to use it.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p><p>Also install a carbon monoxide detector. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly. It is produced by gas appliances, wood-burning stoves, and other sources.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p><p>Here are some additional fire safety tips:&nbsp;<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Keep flammable materials away from heat sources.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n<li>Don&#8217;t overload electrical outlets or use frayed cords.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n<li>Never leave cooking food unattended.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n<li>Make sure that fires are properly extinguished.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Navigation safety&nbsp;<\/h3><p>Being able to safely move from room to room is also part of fall prevention.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p><p>To ensure that you don\u2019t trip or fall when you go about your daily activities, here are some things you can do:&nbsp;<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Wear nonslip shoes without laces (these are common tripping hazards).\u00a0<\/li>\n\n<li>If you use a wheelchair, widen entranceways and hallways.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n<li>Install lights with motion sensors.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n<li>Consider <a href=\"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/how-to-help-aging-adults-downsize\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">downsizing<\/a>\u2014 a smaller home may mean less clutter and more free space to move.\u00a0<\/li><\/ul><figure class=\"wp-block-image alignfull size-full has-custom-border\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/motion-sensor-solar-light.jpg\" alt=\"A motion sensor solar light shines brightly. \" class=\"wp-image-5213\" style=\"border-radius:20px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/motion-sensor-solar-light.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/motion-sensor-solar-light-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Emergency help&nbsp;<\/h3><p>Even if you\u2019ve entirely remodeled a home for aging in place and taken every other precaution to ensure your loved one remains safe, accidents still happen.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p><p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthinaging.org\/tools-and-tips\/tip-sheet-home-safety-tips-older-adults\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Health in Aging Foundation<\/a> recommends keeping a list of emergency numbers close by. This list should include 911, your local <a href=\"https:\/\/poisonhelp.hrsa.gov\/poison-centers\/find-poison-center\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">poison center<\/a>, a doctor\u2019s number, and an emergency family contact.&nbsp;<\/p><p>The only problem is that someone might not always be able to dial a number if they\u2019re panicking or they\u2019re incapacitated due to an injury.&nbsp;<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/how-do-medical-alert-systems-work\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Medical alert devices<\/a> are excellent for emergencies when someone cannot dial a number for help. These nifty tools can be programmed with emergency contacts that are dialed at the click of a button, which gets you or your loved one help fast.&nbsp;<\/p><p>Logicmark\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/product\/freedom-alert-plus\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Freedom Alert Plus<\/a> even has built-in fall detection. This means emergency contacts are called automatically in the event of a fall. This can be lifesaving for people who live on their own and it\u2019s an aging-in-place necessity.\u00a0<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Traveling Safety&nbsp;<\/h2><p>To maintain good health, strength, and mental wellness, an aging loved one will need to venture out from time to time.&nbsp;<\/p><p>Whether it\u2019s for their daily walk or a doctor\u2019s visit, it\u2019s important for aging adults to be able to leave their homes and return safely.&nbsp;<\/p><p>Here are the top safety tips for seniors on the go:\u00a0<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Car safety&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/h3><p>Driving a vehicle is an activity that can give an aging adult a profound sense of independence.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p><p>If your loved one is still able to drive, but you\u2019re concerned about them being out on the roads alone, ensure that someone accompanies them on their weekly outings.&nbsp;<\/p><p>This can be a caregiver or an assistant. If a trusted family member acts as a chaperone, a trip to the mall could turn into a wonderful bonding experience that could really lift the mood of an adult who doesn\u2019t get out as often as they\u2019d like.&nbsp;<\/p><p>An older adult who drives should also follow these safety tips:&nbsp;<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Perform routine car maintenance.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n<li>Adjust driving habits, including avoiding heavy traffic and freeways.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n<li>Use <a href=\"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/top-assistive-devices-aging-adults\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">assistive devices<\/a> like key turners and swivel seats.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n<li>Plan routes ahead of time.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n<li>Avoid distractions like using the radio or smartphones.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Walking safety&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/h3><p>You can make as many adjustments to your home as you like, but you cannot fall-proof the outside world \u2014 so seniors should take extra care on their <a href=\"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/a-complete-guide-to-walking-for-older-adults\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">daily walks<\/a> or when visiting the neighbors.&nbsp;<\/p><p>It\u2019s important to wear shoes that are comfortable and don\u2019t have any laces as these are tripping hazards.&nbsp;<\/p><p>LogicMark\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/product\/guardian-alert-911-plus\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Guardian Alert 911 Plus<\/a> is a great option for people on the go. It uses 4G LTE technology and keeps them connected to emergency services while they\u2019re out and about, which gives family members peace of mind.&nbsp;<\/p><p>Some essential walking safety tips for seniors include:&nbsp;<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Alerting a primary caregiver or family member whenever they leave the home.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n<li>Wearing practical clothing that won\u2019t impede blood circulation.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n<li>Taking water with them on their walk.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n<li>Wearing a sunhat if it is warm out.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n<li>Avoiding walking or other physical exercise in high heat.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n<li>Using mobility aids like walkers and canes.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n<li>Not forgetting to insert and turn on their hearing aids (for those who use them).\u00a0<\/li><\/ul><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Medication Safety&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/h2><p>Most older adults have conditions that are managed with medication that must be taken as per their doctor\u2019s instructions.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p><p>Some tips from the FDA on medication safety include:&nbsp;<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Taking medications as prescribed.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n<li>Keeping an eye on the expiration date and replacing expired medications.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n<li>Properly storing medications.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n<li>Being aware of potential side effects.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n<li>Keeping a medication list and updating it regularly.\u00a0<\/li><\/ul><figure class=\"wp-block-image alignfull size-full has-custom-border\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/man-prescriptions-medication-bottles.jpg\" alt=\"A man holds a prescription medication bottle as he reads prescription information. \" class=\"wp-image-5214\" style=\"border-radius:20px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/man-prescriptions-medication-bottles.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/man-prescriptions-medication-bottles-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure><p>It\u2019s important for older people to be able to take medicines safely. If they have a condition like dementia which affects their memory, ensure that a trusted family member or caregiver can administer their medications.&nbsp;<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Online Safety&nbsp;<\/h2><p>Most people focus on home safety tips when it comes to their aging loved ones, but online safety is also important.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p><p>The internet can be a dark place for someone who is too trusting and doesn\u2019t know how to recognize a scam.&nbsp;<\/p><p>Antivirus software and antispyware should be installed on computers and smartphones. You should also educate your loved ones on how to interact with people via social media \u2014 you may want to adjust some privacy settings in this regard.&nbsp;<\/p><p>Remember, <a href=\"https:\/\/connectsafely.org\/seniors-guide-to-online-safety\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">online safety guidelines<\/a> should be adjusted as technology evolves.&nbsp;<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where Can I Learn More About Keeping My Loved Ones Safe as They Age?&nbsp;<\/h2><p>Are you concerned about how you\u2019ll care for your mother or father when the time comes\u2014or perhaps you\u2019re the one about to enter your golden years? <a href=\"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">LogicMark<\/a> can help. Our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/product-category\/medical-alert-devices\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">medical alert devices<\/a> can help you care for the ones you love. &nbsp;<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When it comes to the safety of aging loved ones, we shouldn\u2019t take any chances. But what can we do to<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":5212,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[52,54],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5211","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-caregivers","category-technology-for-aging-adults"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5211","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5211"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5211\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5212"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5211"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5211"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.logicmark.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5211"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}