It is very likely that during the course of your lifetime, you have seen the older loved ones that mean the most to you starting to decline.
I remember vividly my maternal grandfather insisting to live on his own for way longer than he was really able to. My mom who was a nurse was at his house often, working to make sure that his space was as safe as possible. The biggest issue that arose was that she didn’t have a support system like what Anthem provides to it’s members.
How to Make Home Safe for an Older Loved One
Things can happen quickly to an older loved one- and it is very important that you are armed with the proper information in order to keep them as safe as you possibly can.
A few points to note:
* One in three adults 65 years or older falls each year, but doesn’t bring it up with their doctor.
* In the next 13 seconds an older adult will be treated in an emergency room for a fall.
* In the next 20 minutes an older adult will die of a fall related injury.
Take a look at the infographic below for tips on how to best help your aging loved one.
Check out our tips for caring for yourself when caring for others and be sure to visit Anthem for more information about caring for older loved ones.
Peter says
My grandfather used to fall all the time. As luck would have it, he’d fall up the stairs saving himself a world of sin no doubt. His pride would not allow for proper safeguards in the home. There are real needs for the elderly
Vyjay Rao says
This is so true.Elderly people are prone to falls and other perils. One needs to ensure that their surroundings are safe and their safety is of paramount importance.
Amy h says
I remember when my Grandma would have falling spells, I know I have walked in and found her on the floor myself. Now she has round the clock care at her house.
Farrah Less says
Having a ranch house is so helpful when you have a senior love one lives in your home. No high stairs to deal with and it is more safe environment for them.
Ricci says
This is great information as all of the baby boomers are aging and they are aging fast! I see so many people my age taking their parents and grandparents in and this is great info to pass on to them!
Bonnie G says
Thank you for all of this information, it is very helpful. My parents are still kind of young yet but I know at some point I will have to worry about this.
Karen Morse says
It’s not exactly easy for them to go around the house anymore and making your home safer for an older loved one would be amazing. I love this guide and it’s really going to help families out.
Jenn@Engineermommy says
This is a great reminder to be proactive about preventing falls. Sometimes we can undervalue how devastating a fall can be until it happens. Anything to reduce the risk is great.
Janet says
Such great information here, and we really do need to “elder-proof” our homes for the parents. Falling is something that I worry about.
Tasheena says
I really enjoyed reading this post. These are very helpful tips. Especially as my parents and grandparents are getting older
Sarah Bailey says
These are some great tips – it is amazing how our needs change through the years, from children to adults and the older generation.
Tomi C says
My mother in law is 90 years old and I am so thankful she hasn’t had any falls in her home. We had rails installed on the front porch a few years ago after a dreadful ice storm and as much as we would love to get her a walk in tub she loves her clawfoot tub.
valmg @ Mom Knows It All says
Falls are awful, I learned firsthand about them when my Grandma came to live with us years ago. My Mom fell recently and it really shook me.
Brit Strawbridge says
These are really great suggestions! I grew up with my grandparents living with us for a few years and these are really good things to consider!
Amber Myers says
Good to know! I do want to keep my home safe if my parents visit. Or heck, be safe in general. My dad is more frail than my Mom, so I worry about him the most.
wendy says
My parents will be there soon and these are great and useful tips. Thank you for sharing.
Alli Smith says
My dad is 84 and lives alone. Thankfully, he’s in great health and mows over 5 acres of grass every week during the spring and summer. I needed to read this because my sister and I are looking at all the ways we can make sure he stays safe.
robin rue says
These are GREAT suggestions. My 89 year old grandmother fell out of her chair last week and was on the floor for hours until my aunt found her. It’s so scary.
candy says
Hand bars to hold onto in the bathroom is very important. We took out the bathtub and only have a shower so they can get in and out easier. Picked up all the throw rugs so they don’t trip and fall with walkers and while they are walking. Little things that make it easier for them.