According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, millions of adults in the United States over the age of 65 end up hospitalized due to a product-related fall. In many of these cases, the fall led to serious injury or death.
As a senior citizen, a fall in your own home with no one around could result in one of the worst possible outcomes. Even if you have an emergency fall alert system, you could end up with a broken hip or dislocated limb.
Here are eight early signs it’s time for assisted safety and accessibility features in assisted living communities.
Early Signs It’s Time for Assisted Safety and Accessibility Features in Assisted Living
Recognizing aging signs is of the utmost importance if you want to avoid injuries in your own home. This applies whether you’re a senior struggling for independence or you have a loved one who lives alone.
Some of the most common assisted living warning signs are loss of mobility, memory issues, and changes in behavior. However, these may prove difficult to diagnose if you live apart from your loved one.
1. Frequent Falls
Senior care indicators that a person might need to move into an assisted living community often include if a person frequently falls.
Maybe they lose their balance momentarily or get dizzy when they stand up. While this may seem harmless in isolation, it could prove very dangerous if they’re going up or down a staircase.
In addition, an individual may struggle with mobility due to a prior injury. In these cases, something like non-slip footwear won’t be enough.
2. Difficulty With Daily Activities
A senior may begin to struggle with normal tasks such as bathing, dressing, cooking, and cleaning. These are daily essentials for maintaining personal hygiene and a healthy living environment. Not every individual has access to a professional cleaner or a family member who can help them.
At a certain point, they will need some level of in-home care services or to move into an assisted living community.
3. Cognitive Decline
Elderly accessibility needs aren’t just about handrails and shower seats. Some senior residents may deal with problems as little as forgetfulness to more severe diseases like Alzheimer’s. This can cause them to forget important things like turning off a stove or putting their vehicle into park.
Those with mild cognitive impairment can live comfortably in assisted living, where a provider can help them manage medications and cook meals. Anyone with dementia will require memory care, which focuses much more on helping residents live positive and meaningful lives in a safe environment.
4. Poor Medication Management
Many people require certain medications as they age to regulate their blood pressure, glucose levels, and gastrointestinal issues. Failure to take these medications regularly can lead to worsening health conditions and frequent trips to the hospital.
Assisted living communities often include medication management as part of their services. They can make sure that residents take their prescribed medications and pick up refills at the local pharmacy.
5. Changes in Eating Habits
Some signs that seniors are having difficulty maintaining their eating habits are weight loss, a loss of appetite, and difficulty preparing meals for themselves. This could be due to changes in mobility or even memory loss.
Assisted living communities come with amenities such as ergonomic kitchen tools, meal delivery services, and a caregiver to assist with meal preparation. They also often have a cafeteria area for residents to eat meals with each other and socialize.
6. Isolation and Loneliness
It’s all too easy for an elderly individual to grow lonely as their world closes around them. If they aren’t able to get around well on their own, then they can’t socialize like they used to. Family members may spend time away, leading to depression and anxiety.
Many assisted living communities have regularly scheduled events to promote a sense of routine for their residents. They also have diverse programs ranging from painting workshops to movie nights.
7. Decline in Personal Hygiene
A decline in personal hygiene is one of the more noticeable changes from the outside. Senior citizens who struggle with this may wear dirty clothes, not bathe regularly, or neglect their oral care.
Depression, physical limitations, and cognitive decline can all cause someone’s personal hygiene to suffer. Luckily, all of these can be alleviated through the help of assisted living.
Their new home can come with accessibility features like handrails and a shower chair to make navigating the restroom easier. Social events can boost their mood, and caregivers can assist with anything else they struggle with.
8. Poor Living Conditions
If a person is unable to probably clean up after themselves, then that could cause an unsafe environment to live in. Too much clutter can increase the risk of falling. Mold and mildew can cause infections and other health issues.
Unfortunately, an older individual may find themselves unable to address these issues. An assisted living community takes care of the majority of these tasks on their behalf. Residents get as much or as little help as they need to stay independent and confident.
For anyone worried about costs, there are discount programs available for individuals such as senior veterans.
Accessibility Features That Can Help
There are a few different accessibility features to keep an eye out for that improve safety in senior living.
First on the list are home modifications such as grab bars and non-slip flooring. Ramps are also handy for anyone who uses a wheelchair or a walker.
Emergency alert systems are key for anyone who lives alone, even if it’s in an assisted living community. In-home caregivers can provide more comprehensive support. Staff members create community events to keep residents social and active, which can help to combat depression.
Prioritize Your Safety and Comfort
It’s essential to keep an eye out for early signs it’s time for assisted safety and accessibility features in assisted living. Leaving a senior citizen with mobility or mental health issues alone for too long endangers their livelihood.
Summit Place Assisted Living provides a relaxed, home-like atmosphere for residents in the Glassboro, NJ area. Our services include picnic lunches, barbecues, and frequent trips to town for shopping.
Contact us to learn more and schedule an in-person visit.
