Moving to an assisted living community is a big step for anyone. But don't overlook safety when trying to find the best fit to promote independent living skills and an enriching experience.
Instead, know what features to look for before making a decision. Read on to learn the essential tips for ensuring senior safety in independent living communities!
Senior living security should start with secure entrances and exits. This includes both building entrances as well as those to outdoor areas. After all, many senior living communities feature gardens, walkways, and other welcoming outside spaces.
Security systems should sound alerts. Someone could be accessing a building without the proper credentials. Residents and staff should have key fobs or passcodes to allow them to enter.
Ideally, senior living communities should have a staff member at the main entrance to greet visitors. This staff member can also track those coming and going to account for any unusual activity.
Outdoor areas need to be enclosed by fences. Fences provide privacy for residents while also offering an extra barrier of security.
Tips for senior safety also include looking for surveillance cameras. Cameras above doorways and hallways offer an extra layer of security that can capture footage.
The physical presence of cameras can act as a deterrent, as well. Staff members should be assigned to check camera footage throughout the day.
One of the best senior safety tips is to look closely at all buildings in a senior living community. They should be designed with senior safety in mind. And you shouldn't have to do much searching to find examples of strong safety features.
For example, hallways need to have railings and grab bars. These hallways should be wide and able to accommodate multiple people going in opposite directions. Similarly, doorways should be wider for wheelchairs.
All private and public spaces should feature good lighting. Especially for individuals with diminished vision, lighting is critical to maintaining safety.
And all flooring should be non-slip. Rugs and other flooring level changes should be kept to a minimum. This will reduce the potential for tripping.
In apartment bathrooms, seniors should have grab bars near toilets and sinks. Toilets should be elevated to help with access. And call buttons should be present on walls throughout apartments and public spaces.
Staff in senior living communities should be well-trained and kind caregivers who help your loved one thrive. It's fair to ask what kind of training staff undergo when you visit a prospective living community. And it's wise to ask about staff-resident ratios to ensure your loved one gets adequate attention.
Staff also should undergo background checks before starting work. They should wear lanyards with employee badges and pictures. These measures can provide peace of mind to residents and their families.
Some staff should be trained as security guards, too. These individuals would focus their efforts on patrolling the grounds to look for anything unusual. They also may be charged with monitoring video surveillance systems.
A good senior living community will be staffed throughout the day. Sometimes emergencies happen in the middle of the night. You want to be able to trust that the senior living community you've chosen will have staff ready to respond.
Good senior living communities will make every effort to help seniors feel self-sufficient. Even so, independent living guidelines should involve regular check-ins from staff.
These check-ins provide the necessary support and can identify issues when they arise. For instance, seniors may struggle with mobility. As a result, they may need more help attending meals over time.
Ask a prospective senior living community how often they check in with residents. Steer clear of places that don't have an established protocol regarding monitoring.
You want to be confident that staff know your loved one and won't let them fall through the cracks. Staff should notice if your loved one doesn't arrive for an activity they normally would enjoy with friends.
In addition, staff should help monitor medication intake. Some more vulnerable seniors may struggle with knowing when to take medication - or how much to take. Taking the wrong dosage could lead to life-threatening problems.
Staff should work with residents to organize medication into labeled dispensers. Further, for individuals unable to administer medication alone, staff should help them do so at designated points in the day.
Seniors should have the ability to wear emergency call button necklaces, as well. This emergency preparedness measure makes accessing help as easy as possible.
Finally, safe senior communities will have a comprehensive emergency plan. Seniors are at a higher risk of encountering medical challenges at any time of day. How will the staff at a senior living community respond?
All staff should be trained to do CPR and have other life-saving skills. They should have a communication plan to reach medical professionals immediately.
On-site medical clinics can be an important part of emergency preparedness. Likewise, a senior living community should have transportation services. With this essential service lined up, transitioning to hospitals is more efficient.
Seniors living in communities also should have a mitigation plan for infectious diseases. Quarantining residents or using personal protective equipment can help avoid an outbreak.
For weather or fire-related emergencies, there needs to be a plan, too. Fire alarms and sprinkler systems are a must. In an emergency, staff should ensure that all residents are notified and moved out of exits quickly.
Hallways should have clear makings and illumination, too. This will help guide individuals toward the nearest exits.
A senior with independent living skills can flourish in a safe environment. Senior living communities should be equipped with secure entrances and well-trained staff to handle emergency situations. Additionally, buildings should be designed with safety features and amenities that keep seniors safe.
At Hilltop Estates, we prioritize a safe and nurturing community for our residents. Seniors can experience a full slate of activities and top medical care among friends. Contact us today to learn more!