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How To Safe Proof An Elderly Or Disabled Family Members Home

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Home can be a dangerous place for the elderly and disabled, who have limited mobility. Safe proofing a family member’s home can be achieved with a few simple steps, which will help reduce the risk of accidents. Also, getting a medical alert system that will provide 24-hour monitoring can save lives when accidents do happen.

Keep Walking Areas Clear. Keep walking areas and hallways clear of clutter, loose rugs and electric cords, which can otherwise pose a tripping hazard. Use tape to secure carpets and electrical cables on the floor, and keep the house clean and organized to reduce the risk of falling. Also, keep the living quarters well-lit. Poor visibility can increase tripping and falling hazard.

Install Railings on Staircases. If the home has a second floor, install sturdy railings on both sides of the staircase. These railings should be strong enough to support a person’s body weight. Another option is to block the second floor entirely or to install a lift that allows the elderly or disabled to get up or down the stairs safely.

Safe Proof the Bathroom. Bathrooms are common places for accidents. Getting out of a slippery shower or up from a toilet seat poses a threat of losing balance and falling. Installing a grab bar in the shower helps the elderly or disabled to get in and out of the shower quickly. Besides, connecting an elevated toilet seat allows a family member to get up and down from the toilet more accessible and safer.

Medical Alert Systems. Although safe proofing a family member’s home minimizes the risk of injuries, accidents still happen. Falling when getting out of bed or shower, sudden illness or unconsciousness, or other disaster, can leave a person disabled and unable to call for help. In these cases, having an alert system that allows the elderly or disabled to call for help with a simple press of a button can make a difference between life and death.

Medical alert systems offer 24-hour monitoring and, in case of emergency, two-way voice communication with the patient. These systems come with an activator button that is placed around the neck or a wrist for easy access. In case of an emergency, a person can press the button to obtain immediate help. They also help allow the elderly or disabled to continue to live alone, instead of the need for a living assistant, or transfer to a senior or nursing facility.

Making a home a safe place to live for an elderly or disabled family member can be achieved with few easy steps. A few small investments can increase peace of mind and ensure proper safety for everyone.