For those of us with older loved ones in our lives, it is critical that we take the time to help them be safe and secure in their homes. With just a few simple actions, we can help them age in place in the comfort of their own homes and ensure their living space is as safe as possible. Giving them the gift of mobility and independence is essential for their physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
A central part of helping them includes understanding the different types of safety devices that are available and how to use them correctly. This guide will provide an overview of safety devices for older adults and what to consider when purchasing them.
What Are Safety Devices for the Seniors?
Safety devices are designed to help reduce the risk of injury or illness for older adults individuals. This type of equipment assists with daily activities and minimizes the potential for hazards.
These types of devices include:
• Grab bars
• Shower chairs
• Stove guards
• Appliance and furniture locks
• Bed rails
• Nightlights and automatic lights
• Seat raisers
• Stairlifts
• Smart devices and wearables
• Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Safety devices can be found in any area in the home, including bathrooms, kitchens, bedrooms, living rooms, and stairways.
The use of safety devices can help older adults maintain their independence and provide peace of mind for those who care for them.
What to Consider Before Purchasing Safety Devices
When selecting safety devices for older adults, assess their physical and cognitive abilities to determine which safety devices would be most beneficial. For example, if they struggle with weak vision, you should focus on providing adequate lighting throughout the home.
Consider the layout of their home to determine which safety devices would be most appropriate. Do a walkthrough of the entire home and note all the potential safety hazards — anything that may cause a fall or limit their ability to function independently.
Before purchasing any device, research the available options, as many devices come with a variety of functions that may or may not be useful for your situation. For example, you can find numerous choices for toilet seat lifts, such as simple seat attachments, seats with sidebars, or complete toilet fixture replacements. The costs, quality, and functionality of these types of devices can vary widely.
Keep simplicity in mind as you consider your options. Choose a device that is easy to use and operate, as this will ensure that it is used correctly and safely.
Types of Safety Devices for older adults
There are a variety of types of safety devices for older adults that can be found throughout the home.
Bathroom
Statistically, bathrooms are the most dangerous room in the house due to slippery surfaces. Consider safety devices such as grab bars, shower chairs, bath mats, and other products designed to help prevent falls.
Kitchen
A wide range of accidents can occur in the kitchen, where burns, cuts, bruises, and other injuries are common. The types of safety devices you may want to install include stove guards, stove knob covers, appliance locks, cord covers, and other products designed to help prevent accidents caused by appliances.
Bedroom
With so much time spent every day in the bedroom, it’s important to make these rooms particularly safe. Bedroom safety devices include bed rails, mattress pads, drawer locks, nightlights, and other products designed to help prevent slips or falls in the bedroom.
Living Room and Stairway
Keeping the living areas and stairs safe means taking advantage of essential safety devices such as handrails, stair lifts, motion-sensor lights, automatic dimmers, and other objects that can reduce the risk of falls in many areas of the home.
Turn to Havenside for Help with Safety Devices
Safety devices can be used in a variety of areas throughout the home and should be selected based on an assessment of older adults’ needs and abilities as well as a careful review of the home environment.
Take the time to ensure that all safety devices are used correctly and safely. Maximizing the devices’ effectiveness will maximize your loved ones’ safety. Using safety devices can help older adults maintain their independence, as well as provide peace of mind for those who care for them.
For homeowners looking for ways to keep their loved ones safe in their homes, contact the team at Havenside for guidance through the safety device purchasing and installation process. We can answer your questions and point you in the right direction for all your home safety needs.
