When providing secured homes for seniors who require assisted living arrangements, it is necessary to give them the best security systems. You need to keep them from wandering off, and you want to make sure that criminals are kept out.
Best Ways to Ensure Secured Homes for Seniors
As a caregiver, your responsibility goes beyond dispensing medicine and feeding your elderly loved one. You want to create a secure and safe environment for them, too. It’s necessary to avoid dangerous encounters and other stressful times for them.
Here are some useful tips to create secured homes:
• Install a Good Alarm System – The type of alarm that people select is probably the most critical step in obtaining secured homes for seniors who require assisted living. It’s your first line of defense from keeping criminals out. It could also warn you if your senior loved one is trying to exit the house.
It’s best to stick with reputable alarm companies when possible. Utilize companies that have their own security teams, or those who notify police when an alarm goes off.
• Secure Locks – Deadbolt and other types of secure locks need to be installed on doors and windows. This is helpful from keeping burglars out, and it also prevents seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia from wandering.
• Do Not Leave Notes Outside – Don’t leave notes for delivery people or friends and family on your door. If you are telling people that you are not home and what time you’ll be back, you are inviting criminals to enter your home. Never make it easy for someone to rob you.
• Secure Exterior Wires – You should do your best to conceal any exposed external phone or alarm wires. This makes it a little more difficult for burglars to find, disable, and then access your home.
Other Safety Issues for Seniors with Alzheimer’s or Dementia
Here are six additional safety measures you can take for secured homes:
• Identity – Make some type of bracelet or necklace that lists your loved one’s name and medical condition. That way if they ever wander off, it will be easier to identify them, and someone can help safely return them.
• Do Not Use Candles – You should not use candles around seniors unless you are there to supervise. Candles are dangerous enough with any adults or children.
However, seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia could easily knock a candle over and not remember it. They might also not be able to alert someone else in the house if a candle caused a fire.
• Auto Shut-Off Switches – There are stoves that have auto shut-off devices to prevent fires and serious burns. This is a must safety device for secured homes.
• Keep a Clear Path – Seniors should have a clear and clutter free area to walk around inside the home. You need to remove anything that might cause them to trip. This includes cables or wires, toys, shoes, or anything that might make them fall.
• Sharp and Dangerous Objects – Keep all sharp and dangerous objects locked away from seniors. This includes knifes, guns, and matches or lighters.
• Remove Locks from Inner Doors – Although, you want to keep burglars and other criminals out of your house, you also want seniors to have easier access to rooms inside the house. It is better if you remove the locks from the bathrooms and bedrooms of seniors to prevent them from getting locked inside accidentally.
• Recent Photos – Always have recent photos available for the police or others in case your loved one disappears. That will make it easier for others to find them.
Secured Homes for Seniors – Conclusion
Secured homes for seniors are best for everyone. It is no different from having small children in your home. You know how easily it is for them to get into trouble and knock something over or cut themselves. With seniors who are suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia, the problem becomes much worse because one fall could mean a broken hip. They might also not be able to scream for help, so it might take longer for someone to reach them in an emergency situation.
Take the extra time to make your home safe and secure for your loved ones.