Senior safety is about much more than ensuring your loved ones are protected from crime.
Not that protection from crime isn't important, it just isn't the only type of protection the elderly of today need.
There are just many more things to worry about crime that can have as significant an impact on their health and well being.
This is especially true if you live in low crime areas to begin with.
So what are some of the steps forward that need to be taken to safeguard seniors in your life? Step 1 Make sure there is a plan that has someone checking on seniors frequently.
Elderly or aging adults, especially those who live alone are at much greater risk for not receiving proper medical care quickly enough when things go wrong.
Fast access to care is critical when the elderly have accidents, slips, falls, or illnesses.
One way to ensure that there is fast access to assistance is to have someone check-in daily via phone and at least once a week in person (though it is honestly better to check more frequently than that).
Step 2 Have a disaster plan in place.
There are all kinds of disasters that happen.
Some of these disasters are natural.
Others are not.
No matter what kind of disaster is going on there needs to be an adequate disaster plan that is in place and well outlined for the entire family (including communication, escape routes, emergency contact, and rally points for the entire family).
If there is a natural disaster like a hurricane that provides warning other contingency plans need to be created in order to provide for the evacuation of elderly family members and loved ones.
Everyone needs to pitch in.
Step 3 Safeguard the home.
The home of an elderly person is the place that poses the greatest potential risk in most cases.
It is often the place where the most time is spent.
There are plenty of things you can do to make the home safer.
Remove clutter and unnecessary furniture.
Downsize and minimize.
Walkways should be clear of debris and well lit.
Bathrooms should have slip resistant floors and grip bars within easy grasp of the shower and toilet.
Step 4 Have regular health screenings and discuss the results.
Your parent may be reluctant to discuss health issues that he or she feels are very private with you but it is important that you have a good idea of what is going on with the health of your aging parent.
This is especially true if your parent is trying to maintain and independent lifestyle.
Health problems may require that your parent give up some independence by having someone come into the home regularly to check on him or her but it doesn't have to mean that all independence is lost.
But, you must get all the facts so that you can make the decision, together, that will best safeguard the health and dignity of your parent.
Step 5 Be an advocate in all things for your parent.
If you believe that people who are tasked with coming into the home to help your parent are actually hurting your parent, find out the facts and take quick and immediate action.
Ask your parent what is going on and get honest answers.
No one wants to believe the worst can happen but part of your job as you work to keep the senior you love safe is to be on the watch for any signs of trouble.
These steps will have you and your family stepping lively and greatly improve the quality of life enjoyed by the senior you love while keeping him or her safe from many potential problems along the way.