Are You Concerned About Your Elderly Parent’s Safety?

December 7, 2008 by GiGi

Welcome back!

You’re not alone! It’s becoming an increasing problem with Baby Boomers and their elderly parents. Here is an interesting article from a guest writer. Discover what you can do NOW to help your aging parent BEFORE they fall or find themselves in a dangerous situation.

A recent survey conducted by the Phoenix senior care industry indicated that 90% of seniors want to stay in their own homes and maintain their independence as they age.

Most are reluctant to make changes to their homes, even those that would increase their safety, because they do not want to admit that they’re aging, according to Denise Levine, Assistant Director of the IDEA Center at the State University of New York.

A 2007 independent living study completed by the AARP demonstrated that two-thirds of female adult children surveyed are concerned about their parent’s safety when trying to maintain this desired independent lifestyle.

Unfortunately, while the Baby Boomer generation may be concerned about the safety of their parents, they don’t step in to make improvements until a fall or serious health issue arises that makes it necessary.

Boomers should take a proactive stance on in-home safety to enhance their parents’ well-being. Professional senior care agencies, like the Phoenix Home Care market, can complete objective in-home safety reviews to identify areas of the home that are hazardous and identifying issues such as accessibility and poor lighting.

Their complete review verifies 50 common items that compromise safety around the home, including the entrance, living areas, kitchen, bedroom bathroom and stairways and suggests adjustments that will increase a senior’s ability to live independently while remaining safe.

Organizations, such as Levine’s IDEA Center can also assess a senior’s adaptive behavior that may result in hazards from the home environment. Often those who have challenges with mobility will establish methods to complete the tasks, which can be potentially dangerous.

For example, a senior who has a problem getting off the toilet may use a window sill, shower curtain and towel bar to get up; any of which could break away under strain and result in a serious accident.

Necessary improvements for the home are typically simple and inexpensive, and when an adult child takes control, it removes the pressure from the senior who even when willing to seek help, may not be aware of available resources or know how much things will cost.

While it may sacrifice Baby Boomer’s own lifestyle aspirations, they will sleep better at night knowing their loved ones are safe at home by stepping in and ensuring that all assistance requirements are addressed with the help of a professional assisted living agency.
By Carol Marak