We all want to ensure that our loved ones remain safe, happy and secure as they age, and there are some easy, practical ways to help them do so.
If your senior lives in their own home, a few things that may be beneficial to senior’s physical safety include:
Upgraded Lighting
As our eyes age, brighter lighting can make a tremendous difference in our ability to discern details in the world around us. Whether to increase reading ability, help prevent falls or just make the home more bright and inviting, upgrading lighting can be an inexpensive way to keep your senior safe and happy. Also consider adding motion-activated night-lights, which provide extra safety, security and convenience.
Bathroom Improvements
Available at any home center or hardware store, grab bars and anti-slip stickers or non-skid mats provide an increased level of safety in and around bathtubs, showers and toilets. And whether you are able to do-it-yourself or choose to hire a professional, the reasonable cost of installing a scald-prevention showerhead is an invaluable and worthwhile investment.
Emergency Communication
A Medical Alert System is a wonderful use of technology to bring peace of mind to both you and your senior. These affordable systems enable your senior to summon emergency assistance immediately with just the touch of a button, should the need arise. And a cordless phone that can be carried easily either on-the-person or in the basket of a walker or wheelchair is both convenient and safety-enhancing, and sometimes more easily accepted by a senior reluctant to embrace an “official” alert system. For more tips on home safety, products for seniors, etc., visit caring-for-aging-parents.com.
Financial Security
Beyond the considerations of their physical surroundings, another extremely important realm of senior life is Financial Security. Just like the rest of us, seniors need to take care to protect their identities, personal details and financial information.
There are definite proactive steps that may be undertaken to help seniors in this regard:
Phone Number Privacy
Register your senior’s phone number with the National Do Not Call Registry at www.donotcall.gov or (888) 382-1222. Remind them to never provide personal or financial information to anyone who calls them, especially Social Security, credit or account numbers.
Document Protection
Use a shredder to thoroughly destroy receipts, statements or other documents containing sensitive information before disposing of them.
Trusted Advisor
Make sure your senior knows to consult with someone they trust if they feel pressured by anyone to make a large purchase, provide information or sign any documents. Eldercare Locator has recently published an excellent brochure to help “Protect Your Pocketbook” — it is available for free download here. It includes helpful information for both you and your senior.
At Santa Barbara Estate Services, we offer our Senior Services, including Professional Fiduciary and Elder Preparedness services, to help protect your loved one’s best interests.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns…we’re here for you.
