March Madness Discounts!
Explore exciting discounts for new residents applying to Elm Terrace:
- Independent Living – up to $20,000 off your entrance fee
- Memory Care – waive your $4,200 community fee
Home is where the heart is. As we or our loved ones age, staying at home brings a sense of comfort but also presents safety risks. Choosing between staying home or moving to a senior living community takes careful thought. This guide explores aging in place, home safety risks and how retirement communities could be the solution.
Staying safe while aging in place depends on health needs, accessibility and hazards. Many people opt to age at home because it feels familiar, but it does have its challenges:
Here are some examples of common hazards that compromise safety for seniors at home:
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that 1 in 4 older adults falls annually. Many falls happen at home, accounting for 3 million annual emergency department visits. Home hazards that lead to trips or falls include:
Fires can happen in any home, but aging adults may find it harder to prevent or respond to them. Faulty electrical appliances, faulty smoke detectors and cooking accidents increase fire risks.
Poor lighting can create challenges for older adults, especially those with vision problems. They might struggle to navigate their surroundings, spot obstacles or read important labels.
Slippery or wet floors, tripping hazards and hard-to-reach fixtures are common accident culprits in bathrooms. Reduced mobility also makes getting in and out of the bath a challenge.
Older adults often take different medications and supplements. Mixing prescriptions, forgetting medications or having trouble reading labels can lead to serious consequences.
Senior living communities provide aging adults with care, comfort, connection and convenience. These facilities prioritize home safety for older adults. The benefits of living in retirement communities include:
The design of senior living communities prioritizes well-being and accessibility. Here are some of the features that promote physical safety:
Community residents can enjoy an independent lifestyle with the added convenience of having access to care when needed. Personal care offers help with everyday activities like dressing or eating. Memory care provides specialized support for those with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Residents can rely on skilled nursing and rehabilitation care for more advanced treatment.
Retirement communities have strict protocols for dealing with emergencies. Staff are trained to respond immediately to fires, natural disasters or illness outbreaks.
Facilities for older adults must meet strict safety and accessibility design standards. Bodies that enforce these standards include:
The qualified staff at retirement communities range from registered nurses to physical therapists. You or your loved one will enjoy support from professionals whose primary goals are your health and safety. Each staff member also undergoes a rigorous vetting process.
Leaving home to go shopping or run errands can present safety risks. Communities like Elm Terrace offer all the necessary amenities right on residents’ doorsteps. Older adults have hassle-free access to dining, shopping, health care and social activities. This convenience creates a safer, more enjoyable environment.
If you or your loved one chooses to age in place, follow these home safety tips for seniors:
The first step is identifying possible safety risks. Start at the front door and assess each room for challenges faced by those with physical or cognitive limitations. Make a list of all potential concerns. Examples include stairs, clutter and inadequate lighting.
Falling is the leading cause of injuries in Americans over 65. Declutter and rearrange your or your loved one’s space to reduce tripping hazards. Address items like rugs, laundry baskets, potted plants or stacks of newspapers. If you want to leave area rugs for comfort, tape down the corners.
A home security system may help older adults feel safer when alone. Cameras allow them to see visitors, while an intercom system lets them speak if needed. Enlisting a security service adds an extra layer of protection. These services respond when a security alarm goes off or the resident pushes a panic button.
These modifications can help make the home safer for older adults:
Aging adults can use these wearable devices to call for help during a medical emergency. Pressing a button connects the wearer to a 24/7 monitoring center. The operator then calls a paramedic or loved one to assist. Some devices automatically make calls when detecting a fall or health issue.
This list should include 911, a physician’s number, poison control and other contacts. Creating a phone tree is also helpful. An emergency phone tree notes caregiver details and the order in which to contact them.
At Elm Terrace, we understand that safety is a top priority for you or your loved one. That’s why we designed our senior living home in Lansdale, Pennsylvania, with the health and safety of our residents in mind. Our facility includes an accessible design, 24/7 security and emergency service features. But safety is about more than design — we assembled a team of passionate, qualified professionals to support you or your loved one. You can trust our caregivers to assist with daily tasks and provide nursing care as needed.
Choose quality, discover value! Arrange your complimentary lunch and tour today or call us at 215-361-5600 to learn more about our community.
March Madness Discounts!
Explore exciting discounts for new residents applying to Elm Terrace: