Tips on Maintaining Independence Through a Home Safety Plan

For seniors who have mobility limitations, chronic illness or experience cognitive decline, staying safe at home may require more effort and supervision from the person’s family members. If living on their own is a priority for your loved one, creating a home safety plan can help both of you sleep better at night knowing plans are in place to keep them safe.

Consider all aspects of home safety from your loved one’s point of view and make a safety plan according to their needs and limitations. Some suggestions include:

Prevent Injuries by Adapting the Home

Remove any tripping hazards and rearrange furniture so rooms are easy to navigate.
Keep hallways well lit, especially at night, to avoid bumping into walls or sharp corners.
Install safety bars along porch steps or in the bathroom to help with balance.

Manage Home Maintenance

Have someone check the home for electrical fire hazards and frozen pipes in winter.
Periodically check the home for cleanliness. If you learn that a task has become too difficult for your loved one, find them help for that task.
Make sure the smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector work and replace the batteries as needed.

Ensure Security Measures Are in Place

Install a security system that sets off an alarm when someone enters the home. If your loved one is prone to wandering, find a system that sends you an alert when someone leaves the house as well.
Keep blinds or curtains closed at night or when the room is not occupied.
Install deadbolts on outside doors.
Sign up your loved one for the Do Not Call list or purchase a phone with Caller ID to prevent possible telemarketing scams.

Prepare for Emergencies

If your loved one has limited mobility, move their bedroom to the first floor of the house. Make sure all exits are easily accessible and can accommodate any mobility devices.
Display a list in a visible place that includes all emergency contacts and phone numbers.
Purchase your loved one a medical ID bracelet to wear.
In case of a natural disaster, prepare an emergency kit in a water-proof case. Include bottled water, prepackaged food, a flashlight and batteries, extra clothes, extra medication or medical devices and copies of important documents, such as legal papers, insurance documents and lists of medications and dosages.
If an evacuation is necessary, decide who will be responsible for helping your loved one.

Your loved one’s home safety plan may likely vary from the suggestions above, depending on their needs and the resources available to you, so continue to research the best methods to ensure your loved one’s safety. Once you have developed a plan to keep them safe, execute your plan by assigning different tasks or responsibilities to family members who live nearby. You and your family will soon enjoy peace of mind from knowing your loved one is safe and sound at home.

The Art of Living

At Tuscan Gardens® of Venetia Bay, we’ve mastered the art of living. We’ve perfected the balance of personalized support and an uplifting lifestyle, helping our residents experience independence, joy, and meaning every day.

Offering supportive independent living, assisted living and memory care services for families in Venice, Florida, Tuscan Gardens of Venetia Bay was founded with one simple, yet profound goal – to create a community worthy of our parents. In all we do, we are guided by the principles of family, culture, and engagement, working to represent the remarkable way of life our families deserve.

The essence of our community is made up not only of mere aesthetics but an artfully designed lifestyle to bring out the best of what each day has to offer. From dedicated care that respects residents’ individuality and dignity to a lifestyle that nurtures their love of life, Tuscan Gardens was built to be more than just a residence, but a place to call home.

To learn more about our comfortable, elegant community, contact us today!