How Independent Living Communities Create a Safer Space for Seniors
Independent living just might be one of the greatest things about living the ultimate retirement life. Sure, you get to have a lot of time to yourself to do whatever you want. You could be feeling a little spontaneous and participate in activities on the community grounds. However, there are some things that should not be overlooked like the safety of your living space.
As you age, safety concerns do increase whether it’s the possibility of falls, health conditions where proper medication is needed, or something else. It is never a bad idea to express any safety concerns you might have especially when you are touring an independent living community that might be your new home base. There are also some tips that you can consider as well when it comes to keeping your space safe at all times.
Address The Fall Prevention First and Foremost
Indeed, fall prevention is a major priority for you. That’s because falls are the most common causes for serious injury for seniors. Yet, they are preventable and it can take a few small changes to ensure that you can reduce your risk by a considerable amount. This way, you’ll have peace of mind and less worry when you move from one area of your space to another. This includes performing the following safety measures:
- Non-slip mats in areas such as the kitchen or bathroom
- Identify and remove trip hazards like cords, loose rugs, or uneven mats
- Make sure commonly used items are easily accessible such as at waist height
- Ensure that walkways and rooms are well-lit
With these all in place, you can reduce the risk of falls by a lot. Independent senior living spaces should be safe and secure. If you need assistance on what safety issues can be addressed, staff members can easily be reached so they can identify certain issues that you might not know exist.
Improve Bathroom Safety
One of the areas of your home where safety should never be overlooked is your bathroom. It’s a place where it can be a challenge to navigate especially if the surfaces are slippery. Yet, it is possible to make it so that your bathroom is safe and supportive. There are safety upgrades that you can consider moving forward including:
- Grab bars near showers, tubs, or toilets
- A hand-held shower head for easy control
- A shower chair or bath bench for stability
- Ensure that floors use rugs that are dry and non-absorbent
Keep Your Emergency Tools Close By
Emergency tools are important to have in your senior independent living space. It’s always a smart idea to consider preparing for the unexpected. Sure, it may be a rare occurrence where you’ll need assistance. However, it’s better to have emergency tools close by for when you absolutely need them.
What are the best tools to have close to you in the event of an emergency? Here are some of to strongly consider:
- An emergency alert button or cell phone that is easily accessible
- Flashlights in multiple rooms if a power outage occurs
- A basic first aid kit with essentials
- A list of emergency contacts in an easy to access place such as near your landline phone, on a fridge, personal corkboard, etc.
It should be also noted that many senior living communities have on-site medical staff that can respond to emergencies as soon as possible. They can assist you between the time they arrive and when emergency medical services are on-scene tending to you. This gives you additional peace of mind knowing that you will be able to get the assistance you need in the quickest time possible.
Be Mindful Of Furniture Arrangements
If you’re getting set up in a new apartment in an independent living community, furniture arrangement can typically be focused on style at first. However, you want to make sure that the furniture doesn’t get in the way when it comes to mobility. Here are some tips that you should consider when setting things up:
- Create pathways that are clear between high-traffic areas and rooms
- Choose chairs that are firm and supportive
- Ensure that lamps and power cords are securely tucked away
- Place padding on sharp corners of tables
Your living space needs to be clear, open, and allow you to flow freely from one area to another. Plus, with less clutter and more space, it will make your whole home easily accessible, especially in emergency situations when people assisting you need to access you easily.
Enjoy Your Retirement Safely Through Proper Precautions At Asher Point Independent Living of Tyler
At Asher Point Independent Living of Tyler, you deserve your own space that gives your peace of mind. The important part is to make sure that you live in a space that is safe for navigating from one space to another. Yes, independent living should be safe and secure at all times. Our staff can help you make sure that your space is free of any falls and other safety hazards if you have any concerns. For more information, call us today or schedule a tour to see if we are a good fit for you.
