Falls are the most common cause of injury among adults over 65 years old. Each year in the United States, about 1 in 4 seniors, or more than 14 million adults, report experiencing a fall.
You or your aging loved one should feel safe and confident as you go about your daily lives. Promoting senior safety involves more than just avoiding slips and trips. It involves creating an environment that fosters independence and peace of mind.
Oak Gardens Place has tailored daily safety routines to help residents live fully. Situated at 342 Twin Oak Drive, Altoona, WI 54720, we understand that maintaining independence goes hand in hand with smart, proactive care.
Explore some smart, effective tips that support fall prevention for elderly, both at home and in assisted living communities.
As we age, it's natural for our vision to deteriorate. Most older adults experience related challenges, such as:
These problems increase the risk of falls and injuries in older adults. For seniors who wish to remain in their homes, lighting upgrades are a vital component of a broader aging in place safety strategy.
A well-lit environment helps:
Don't depend on a single light source in any room if your elderly loved one is aging in place. Use ceiling fixtures, wall sconces, or LED panel lights to ensure general areas are brightly lit. Oak Gardens Place prioritizes adequate illumination in the outdoor and indoor spaces to enhance visibility and safety.
A tidy living space is free of hazards that can cause trips and falls. Decluttering promotes safety in assisted living and private homes by getting rid of:
A living space cluttered with these obstacles limits seniors' mobility and increases their risk of injuries. As a caregiver, you may find it overwhelming to declutter your aging loved one's rooms.
Start small by tackling one room or drawer at a time to prevent fatigue. Prioritize high-traffic areas like bedrooms, hallways, and bathrooms when decluttering.
At Oak Gardens Place Assisted Living, our staff carefully maintains clear and organized living spaces. Our regular housekeeping services tidy up apartments, removing dust and clutter. Staff regularly assess residents' living areas to identify and correct potential hazards.
We always encourage our residents to personalize their spaces as a way of minimizing clutter. Our staff is available to help with organizing, rearranging, or downsizing when needed.
Bathrooms pose a high risk of slips, falls, and injuries to older adults due to:
Mobility challenges make seniors more vulnerable to accidents in the bathroom. Fortunately, creating a safe bathroom environment for older adults can be simple.
Some suitable bathroom upgrades that enhance senior safety include:
At Oak Gardens Place, our 24/7 staff assists residents with personal care safely and respectfully. We ensure safe and functional bathroom spaces for residents' peace of mind. All of our bathrooms meet the accessibility standards set by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Aging comes with various physical changes in the body, including:
Poor flooring conditions worsen these risks. Common flooring hazards that lead to falls and injuries in older adults include:
The good news is that upgrading flooring doesn't require a complete overhaul. Slip-resistant flooring like textured vinyl, rubber, or cork promotes fall prevention for elderly in assisted living and private homes.
Securing loose floor mats with non-slip backing also enhances senior safety. Keeping the floor clean and dry reduces the risk of slips and falls.
Other flooring upgrade tips to support aging in place safety include:
Staff conduct regular flooring inspections to ensure residents' safety. This promotes timely replacement or repair of materials as needed. Our dedicated housekeeping teams can spot and remove floor hazards early before an accident happens.
Exercises are key senior health tips that support mobility and safety. They help improve muscle strength, flexibility, and balance, reducing the risk of falls and injuries. Staying physically active also enhances safety by protecting seniors from the risk of chronic conditions like:
Oak Gardens Place supports safe, active lifestyles for all residents. We have a structured program and a safe environment that fosters an active and healthy lifestyle.
Our various activities and events also help seniors stay mentally sharp. Residents can engage in:
These activities offer seniors opportunities to socialize and alleviate loneliness and isolation. They're good for slowing cognitive decline in seniors experiencing dementia or Alzheimer's. Activities like gardening clubs and outdoor picnics offer the therapeutic benefits of nature.
Senior safety is about empowering seniors to live life fully and fearlessly. Small steps like decluttering walkways, installing better lighting, and maintaining healthy routines help create a safer, more secure environment for aging adults.
Safety meets comfort and compassionate care at Oak Gardens Place. Our neighborhood allows residents to engage in events like the River Prairie Festival, the Ginormous Pumpkin Festival, and the Rock'n on the River and Kickin' It Country Concert Series.
Get in touch to learn more about how we can help you or your loved one live safely and happily every day.