Extending Your Home Security System for an Elderly Relative
All across America, many families now consist of multiple generations living under the same roof. Perhaps Mom moved in temporarily at first, to recover from a surgery, but now it seems that it is best if she stays. Or Dad, lonely in a big house, decided to move-in with his daughter and her family. The reasons are varied but the end result is the same.
With an increasing senior citizen population living longer, houses should be designed so that they are also living better. Families will be able to enjoy each other's company to the greatest extent possible. Here are six steps to improve your home security and make it safer for the elderly:
1) Review Hallways, Doors, and Stairs. Go through your home to uncover any problems that an elderly person might have in navigating. Perhaps a low table should be moved out of the way or the lightening is not sufficient to see clearly. Also check stairway railings to be sure that they are securely fastened and easy to hold on to.
2) Check Your Flooring. If you have extensive tile areas that can become slippery, be sure that your new elderly household member knows this so they can be extra careful. Apply non-skid backing to any rugs or mats so that they will not move. Pay close attention to doorways and make sure that any flooring transitions are made smoothly.
3) Revamp Your Bathroom. If possible, it is a great time for you to consider a remodeling job to ensure that the entire room is safe. However, if this is not a possibility, take as many steps as possible towards greater bathroom safety. Make sure the tub has anti-slip matting and that there are grab bars throughout. It is also a great idea to install a phone or a personal alarm connected to your central home security system. Many accidents happen in the bathroom and this will guarantee that if an accident happens in your home, there is an immediate response.
4) Reorganize Your Kitchen. Discuss expectations with your new household member. Many will still be relatively independent so it is important, for example, that they can prepare coffee or tea in the morning. Make certain that any items they will frequently be using are in easy reach so no strains or accidents are suffered in the kitchen.
5) Evaluate Outdoor Paths. If you live in areas with snow or freezing rain, slipping on sidewalk ice can be a very real danger. This is particularly devastating for older individuals, because the result is often a broken hip that never fully heals. Check your outdoor areas and be sure to use sand or salt to prevent ice from forming on paths.
6) Update Your Home Alarm System. Contact your security company and discuss how an additional household member will affect your current protection. Sensors may need to be moved or more installed. If a new area is converted into a sleeping area, it may need smoke or carbon monoxide detectors. Also be sure that your current home security system has personal assistance devices in key locations. Review with your new household member how the system works to avoid any confusion or a false home alarm.
With an increasing senior citizen population living longer, houses should be designed so that they are also living better. Families will be able to enjoy each other's company to the greatest extent possible. Here are six steps to improve your home security and make it safer for the elderly:
1) Review Hallways, Doors, and Stairs. Go through your home to uncover any problems that an elderly person might have in navigating. Perhaps a low table should be moved out of the way or the lightening is not sufficient to see clearly. Also check stairway railings to be sure that they are securely fastened and easy to hold on to.
2) Check Your Flooring. If you have extensive tile areas that can become slippery, be sure that your new elderly household member knows this so they can be extra careful. Apply non-skid backing to any rugs or mats so that they will not move. Pay close attention to doorways and make sure that any flooring transitions are made smoothly.
3) Revamp Your Bathroom. If possible, it is a great time for you to consider a remodeling job to ensure that the entire room is safe. However, if this is not a possibility, take as many steps as possible towards greater bathroom safety. Make sure the tub has anti-slip matting and that there are grab bars throughout. It is also a great idea to install a phone or a personal alarm connected to your central home security system. Many accidents happen in the bathroom and this will guarantee that if an accident happens in your home, there is an immediate response.
4) Reorganize Your Kitchen. Discuss expectations with your new household member. Many will still be relatively independent so it is important, for example, that they can prepare coffee or tea in the morning. Make certain that any items they will frequently be using are in easy reach so no strains or accidents are suffered in the kitchen.
5) Evaluate Outdoor Paths. If you live in areas with snow or freezing rain, slipping on sidewalk ice can be a very real danger. This is particularly devastating for older individuals, because the result is often a broken hip that never fully heals. Check your outdoor areas and be sure to use sand or salt to prevent ice from forming on paths.
6) Update Your Home Alarm System. Contact your security company and discuss how an additional household member will affect your current protection. Sensors may need to be moved or more installed. If a new area is converted into a sleeping area, it may need smoke or carbon monoxide detectors. Also be sure that your current home security system has personal assistance devices in key locations. Review with your new household member how the system works to avoid any confusion or a false home alarm.