Evaluating Safety in Senior Housing Options
In 2022, the FBI reported over 800,000 burglaries across the United States. According to them, a break-in occurs every 26 seconds.
Not all senior citizens are equipped to deal with an intruder. Many of them could struggle to run and hide in an emergency. As such, it's important that whatever community they move into is not only comfortable but also safe.
Here's how you can evaluate safety for seniors in their new senior living community and what kind of housing options they'll thrive in.
The Importance of Safety for Seniors
Safety for senior housing is important not only for each resident's comfort level but also so they feel more at home. If a senior doesn't feel safe, then they can't relax and may feel more anxious.
Many seniors move into senior living communities for access to better amenities and quality of life than if they stayed at home. It's the community's responsibility to make sure their residents are protected from both intruders as well as accidents.
For example, memory care staff needs to manage their residents to prevent elopement. This is when a resident wanders off due to their dementia and gets lost.
Another factor to consider is resident health. If a resident falls in their home and breaks a bone, they need a way to alert staff. That can take the form of a fall alert device or an emergency call button.
Senior Housing Options
Senior housing comes in a wide range of options. Which one is right for your loved one will depend on your budget, the needs of the resident, and the purpose of the community.
For example, an individual with dementia would require memory care. However, independent living communities often do not provide those services.
Independent Living
Independent living communities often take the form of housing complexes designed for seniors who can live independently. Residents don't require a lot of help at home, but they want to enjoy all the various amenities such as communal dining rooms and recreational spaces.
There is a lower staff-to-resident ratio in these communities, so it may take longer for help to arrive. However, each resident should still have access to emergency call buttons and other accessibility equipment.
Assisted Living
An assisted living community is a good option for seniors who want to live as independently as possible but require some level of help. For example, residents may struggle to keep their homes clean or cook meals. They may need help getting to their doctor appointments or traveling into town.
In these communities, residents are watched more carefully by staff. It's not uncommon for them to have a staff member nearby at all times.
Memory Care
Senior housing safety takes a higher priority in memory care programs. Staff is constantly around to help residents with their needs, which can vary depending on the person's condition. It's also the staff's responsibility to prevent elopement.
Nursing Home
Nursing homes provide the highest level of care and the most secure environment. Trained staff includes medical experts and those who work in rehabilitation for seniors. As such, these homes should be the safest communities for seniors to reside in if they need that higher quality of care.
Key Senior Safety Concerns
Prioritizing safety for senior care means taking into account various considerations. The most important ones include:
- Safe physical environment
- Suitable number of staff
- Emergency preparedness system
- Emotional safety and support
Failure to meet any of these requirements can make both seniors and their families uncomfortable in your community.
Physical Environment and Design
The first key to senior safety is a safe environment. Older adults are more prone to falls and injuries, so their homes need accommodations to reduce these risks.
Handrails, non-slip flooring, and ramps can all help prevent slips and falls. Stairs should have handrails, and elevators are one option for those in wheelchairs or who struggle to walk long distances.
Home modifications should also make bathrooms more accessible. Taller toilets are easier to sit in and stand from. Walk-in showers should be large enough to accommodate shower chairs so residents can sit while they shower.
Staffing and Quality of Care
A higher staff-to-resident ratio ensures that seniors receive more individualized attention. More attention means staff can prevent accidents and ensure better care.
In addition, caregivers should receive proper training in areas such as first aid, CPR, and elder care. The required level of training only increases alongside the level of care needed from residents.
It's critical that communities keep staff available around the clock. Residents could require their help at any time of the day and night, and they shouldn't need to rely on standard emergency services.
Emergency Preparedness
Emergencies can happen regardless of how well a community has staffed itself. It's important that it develops a well-structured emergency preparedness plan for fire, medical emergencies, or natural disasters.
An evacuation plan details how elderly residents can leave a building. Emergency exits should be easily accessible.
If there's a medical emergency, senior housing should have a system in place to handle it promptly.
Emotional and Social Safety
Seniors can suffer a mental toll if they're left alone for too long in isolation. Senior living communities should offer plenty of options for social engagement. They may include activities like a book club, walking group, communal dining, and exercise programs.
In addition, seniors should have access to emotional support through mental health services and counseling. Support groups can also help them connect to their peers while treating their anxieties.
Ensure Safety for Your Loved One
Safety for seniors is not always provided equally amongst different senior living communities. As their loved one, you'll want to assess each living option to see what kind of support each resident receives. It helps to meet residents who currently live there to get their perspective.
Addington Place of Burlington is a senior living community designed to feel like home. We offer both assisted living and memory care for our residents. Reach out to learn more and to schedule your private tour of our retirement community in Burlington, IA.