If your senior parent is living alone and you’re worried about them falling at home, you should be. Falls are the leading cause of injuries among seniors. And one of the most dangerous places in the home for a senior is the shower. Showering gets tougher for seniors as they get older even if they are in pretty good health. The physical movements of bending down, reaching for soap, and trying to stay upright when the floor is slippery can all contribute to seniors falling in the shower. Seniors who are living alone should have personal care at home services.

Personal Care at Home Westfield NJ – How To Help Prevent Your Senior Parent From Falling In The Shower

Personal care at home is specialized care provided by caregivers who have experience helping seniors with potentially dangerous tasks like showering, using the bathroom, or getting dressed.

In addition to getting personal care at home, some things that can help prevent your senior parent from falling in the shower are:

Use Non-Slip Mats in the Shower and on the Floor

One of the easiest ways to reduce the risk of slipping is by using non-slip mats. Place a non-slip mat inside the shower or bathtub to help your parent keep their footing while bathing.

It is also a good idea to put a non-slip mat on the bathroom floor outside the shower. Wet floors can be extremely slippery, especially for seniors who already have trouble with balance. Make sure the mats stay flat and do not slide around.

Add a Shower Bench or Chair

Standing for long periods in the shower can be tiring, and it increases the chance of losing balance. A shower bench or chair gives your parent a safe place to sit while bathing. This makes it easier for them to wash without straining or standing on one leg.

Many shower chairs are adjustable and have rubber feet that grip the floor to stay in place. A bench can also help with getting in and out of the tub if space allows.

Install Grab Bars Near the Shower

Grab bars provide strong support and make it easier to move safely in and out of the shower. Mount at least one grab bar near the entrance to the shower and another inside the shower area if possible.

These bars help with balance and give your parent something solid to hold onto when stepping in or out. Make sure the bars are screwed into the wall properly and can support weight. Do not rely on towel bars or suction cup handles, as they are not strong enough for support.

Mount Soap and Shampoo Dispensers on the Wall

Reaching for slippery bottles can be dangerous in a wet environment. Instead of using loose soap and shampoo containers, install dispensers on the shower wall. This keeps everything at a convenient height and prevents your parent from having to bend over or pick up items from the floor.

Choose dispensers that are easy to push and fill them with body wash, shampoo, and conditioner. This small change can reduce the risk of slipping on spilled soap or water.

Improve Bathroom Lighting and Organization

Good lighting is important for safety in every part of the bathroom. Make sure the shower and bathroom are well-lit so your parent can see clearly. Avoid clutter on the floor or ledges that could cause trips. Keep towels, clothes, and bath items in easy-to-reach places. A tidy, well-lit bathroom is much easier to navigate safely.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional Personal Care at Home Services in Westfield, NJ, please talk to the caring staff at Generations Home Health Care today.

Providing Home Care in Somerset, Essex, Union, Morris, and Hunterdon Counties. Call us today at (908) 290-0691 or (973) 241-4534.

A medical warning system is a valuable tool that can make seniors safer. As people get older, their health needs and weaknesses change, so it’s essential to have ways to react quickly to emergencies, in addition to their support from loved ones and the elder care team. With a well-rounded plan in place, seniors can thrive. An elder care team can educate seniors about the signs and symptoms of emergencies that might affect them.

Consider the following important reasons why seniors need a medical alert system.

Elder Care Somerset County NJ – Top Reasons Why Seniors Need A Medical Alert System

Falls and Accidents: Seniors are more likely to fall and get hurt because of things like less balance, weaker muscles, and worsening vision. In the event of a fall, a medical alert system can send help right away, making sure that help arrives quickly to avoid further injury.

Medical Emergencies: Older people often have long-term health problems that can lead to rapid medical crises like heart attacks, strokes, or diabetic emergencies. A medical alert system lets seniors call for help right away. This makes it more likely that help will come quickly.

Living Independently: Many seniors want to keep their independence and stay in their own houses as long as possible. The presence of an elder care team and a medical warning system gives them peace of mind and lets them keep living on their own while still getting help when needed.

Effective Communication: In an emergency, some seniors may struggle to use current communication devices like smartphones. Most medical alert systems are easy to use and have big buttons and clear directions, so a wide range of people can use them. This quick communication can make all the difference.

Customization: Seniors can change their medical alert systems to meet their own wants and preferences. Loved ones and the elder care team can help seniors choose devices that fit their lifestyle and comfort the best, whether it’s a pendant, a wristband, or a button on the wall.

Fall Detection Technology: Many medical alert systems have fall detection technology that can automatically identify a fall and alert the monitoring center, even if the senior can’t press the emergency button. This function ensures that help is sent even if seniors cannot call for it.

Confidence: Seniors who worry about being alone because of health issues or a history of falls may reduce their activities and social interactions. This fear can be taken care of by a medical alert system, which will encourage seniors to stay involved and busy.

Ultimately, a medical alert system is good for seniors because it helps them stay safe, independent, and feel better overall. It is an effective way to deal with emergencies and helps seniors get the help they need. As technology keeps improving, medical warning systems are becoming more advanced and able to meet the specific needs of seniors. This makes them an important tool in caring for seniors, in addition to services from the elder care team and support from loved ones.

Sources: https://www.seniorlifestyle.com/resources/blog/what-are-the-benefits-of-a-medical-alert-system-for-seniors/
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/medical-alerts-for-seniors/

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional Elder Care Services in Somerset County NJ, please talk to the caring staff at Generations Home Health Care today.

Providing Home Care in Somerset, Essex, Union, Morris, and Hunterdon Counties. Call us today at (908) 290-0691 or (973) 241-4534.

It’s so easy to get caught up in daily life that we overlook safety. Yet, every moment we get out of bed, step into the shower, get behind the wheel, ride the bus or train, walk down the sidewalk, ride an elevator, or do any other type of activity, there is risk involved. It doesn’t get easier as you get older. In fact, it gets tougher, especially as you move from middle-age toward your senior years. Senior care aides can help a loved one with this issue.

Senior Care Somerset County NJ – Safety for Seniors Makes a World of Difference

As people get older, that doesn’t mean their safety has to be compromised. However, with chronic health issues, medical emergencies, and the natural process of aging, many seniors will reach a point when they recognize their own limitations. Some seniors may feel “fragile.”

Even though it may seem easy to overlook, and it is something most of us overlook on a daily basis, when a person has difficulty with their balance, isn’t completely certain on their feet, or is worried about their safety for one reason or another, senior care is the best choice.

Why does senior care make a difference?

Frankly, it doesn’t mean this is better than family and friends or that they may very well be able to support them, but an experienced senior care provider will have a great deal of experience and understand common risk factors that many elderly men and women face.

An elderly person who needs a lot of medical attention around-the-clock could very well end up in a nursing home, even if it’s just for a couple of weeks or a few months. During that time, though, their legs, arms, and the rest of their muscles may likely weaken.

So, when they are discharged and sent home, what are they going to do? Their safety is going to have diminished even more. Perhaps the simple act of stepping into and out of the shower or tub could be incredibly dangerous.

Never make assumptions.

As family and friends, it’s important not to make assumptions about seniors in our lives. We shouldn’t assume they are safe and we should assume they don’t worry about their safety.

We should ask them. The more you sit down and talk directly to the senior and listen to what they say, the more you can take a proactive approach to helping them maintain a high quality of life and still remain safe, especially if they want to remain home.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional Senior Care Services in Somerset County NJ, please talk to the caring staff at Generations Home Health Care today. Providing Home Care in Somerset, Essex, Union, Morris and Hunterdon Counties. Call us today at (908) 290-0691 or (973) 241-4534.