search
As we age, we face many new health and safety challenges. The thought of experiencing a hazard like a fall or fire while alone at home is a troubling thought to many. Understandably so!
But is moving to a Residential Care community safer than staying at home?
The answer is often yes. However, not all Residential Care is created equal, particularly when it comes to keeping residents safe.
In this blog, you will learn about common risks associated with aging, as well as how to choose a community that helps you stay safe and healthy as you navigate the new challenges of aging.
As people age, there are four main threats to safety: falls, medication management, fires, and infections. Let’s learn why each hazard is significant and how to tackle them head-on.
Each year, more than 30% of adults over 65 years old fall. That number increases substantially as people age. In fact, 40% of 85+ year olds fall each year.
Falls happen for many reasons—slippery floors, untied shoes, ice, poor lighting, and challenges with balance. Seniors fall for the same reason that anyone else does. The big difference, however, is how well the elderly bounce back from a fall.
Depending on a senior’s health conditions, a fall can mean anything from a bruised ego to a broken hip.
To help prevent falls and their potential outcomes, we recommend a few different measures:
• Grab bar and railing installation
• Proper footwear with good traction
• Substantial lighting
• Exercise and physical activity that build balance
Many seniors have challenges keeping track of their medications. After all, with new medications and dose adjustments, there is a lot to remember!
It’s important to keep in mind that different communities offer a wide variety of support for residents. For some, medication is administered solely by staff. In these cases, having strict processes in place ensures that every resident gets their proper medication, in the right dosage, at the correct time.
Alternatively, others more independently manage medications in their living space. For people who monitor their own medications, we recommend:
• Using a pill organizer
• Checking in with healthcare providers regularly
• Keeping a medication log
• Monitoring memory and knowing when to ask for help
When someone can no longer manage their own medications, it’s essential to get support in order to avoid dangerous mistakes like skipping medications or accidentally doubling doses.
A fire can be a scary and potentially devastating situation for those at home with limited mobility.
As people age, they sometimes struggle with memory problems, leading them to be unaware of their surroundings. Sometimes the elderly abandon tasks prior to completion as well. For example, they forget what they are cooking and burn what is in the stove or oven.
Finding a Care Community that monitors the changing abilities of residents is important as this helps to support them in making the transition to safe and supportive housing that matches their needs and abilities.
For fires, the best prevention is precaution and training. We recommend choosing a home that proactively reduces hazards and has robust plans for the unexpected.
We recommend checking for the following:
• Smoke alarms
• Fire extinguishers within reach
• Regular fire drills
• Detailed evacuation planning
Another consideration is that, often at home alone, the elderly let infections go on unchecked for far too long. Nurturing and watchful staff in Residential Care can help prevent infections from escalating, as they might when seniors are home in isolation.
The most common infections include the flu, COVID-19, and UTIs. To avoid these, a Care Home that maintains sanitation and supports residents with their healthcare is a must:
• Wash your hands regularly
• Stay up to date on vaccines
• Sanitize shared common areas
When looking at Residential Care, choose a community that is clean and has an active plan in place to reduce and prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
As adults age, our physical and mental health may decline.
Mobility Issues: The elderly are more prone to falls due to a lack of stability or strength. Lack of mobility also makes residents susceptible to infections due to an inability to conduct normal hygiene routines.
Cognitive Decline: The elderly can pose a danger to themselves by wandering, forgetting appliances, or medication mismanagement.
Mental Health Challenges: Finally, one of the often invisible conditions facing senior living residents is deteriorating mental health.
Look for a community with a multi-pronged approach to protecting residents’ health and safety.
| Condition | Safety Precaution |
| Mobility Issues |
• Physical Therapy |
| Cognitive Impairment |
• Secure Living |
| Mental Health |
• Counseling |
While not all Residential Care Homes are the same, it is vital to look for one that is run by highly trained professionals. Inquire about policies, procedures, and training that protect residents against the dangers of aging.
And remember, professionals are well-equipped to handle these challenges. It is nearly impossible to take on all of these alone at home, with a family member, or a single caretaker.
Non-slip flooring, safety inspections, medication logs, skilled nursing, ample lighting, grab bars, and help nearby are just a few of the many ways Residential Care keeps residents safe as they age. After all, the best senior living communities, such as Mary Wade, are designed with the needs of our residents in mind.
They can be among the safest places to age in the face of the unknown.
Mary Wade’s staff is uniquely prepared to support the safety of its residents due to full-spectrum care offerings. With a continuum of care offered across our campus, no safety measure is forgotten. We plan and prepare our staff for residents with more independence as well as those with risk-filled conditions. Our residents are our family, and we prepare our environment to support them every step of the way—because family matters. Learn more about how our campus keeps you safe by calling us today: (203) 562-7222
As we age, we face many...
As we age, we have to put...
Mary Wade is proud to have...
As we age, we often think about...
Each person is unique, with their...
When you or a loved one is...
As we age, we face many new health and safety challenges. The thought of experiencing a hazard like a...
rEAD mORE
As we age, we have to put our health first. Luckily, getting outside is an easy way to support your...
rEAD mORE
Mary Wade is proud to have been a member of the New Haven community for over 150 years. Unlike...
rEAD mORE