Last Updated on August 21, 2023 by Flavia Calina
Seniors can suffer from many of the same issues and crimes as any other population, such as theft and robbery. But senior living communities have safety provisions to minimize the risk, especially compared to home living.
Safe design features such as flat thresholds, ramps. Wider hallways and easy-to-access door handles are just a few examples of how seniors can live safely in their community homes.
Security
One of the biggest concerns for seniors is falling and becoming victims of abuse. This can be caused by evil delivery people, neighbors, or even family members. Senior living communities take many precautions to prevent these kinds of situations. They also work with the community to ensure a safe environment for all residents. Typical safety features in assisted living include 24/7 security, emergency call buttons in each private residence and onsite staff for any questions or concerns.
In addition, these facilities often have a camera system that monitors public areas and helps detect suspicious activity. Other safety precautions are common among senior communities, such as fire safety systems that meet or exceed all local and state regulations. Many of these communities also have a locked facility for seniors who need more protection, like those with dementia or other memory care needs. They also adhere to a strict set of evacuation protocols in the event of natural disasters such as hurricanes.
Emergency Response
The recent pandemic, devastating hurricanes and civil unrest in cities nationwide have raised awareness that senior living communities must be prepared for emergencies and disasters. Many of these communities have policies and procedures to keep residents safe and secure, but they must also be able to communicate effectively in an emergency. A well-prepared senior living community has plans for all types of disasters and emergencies. The first step is the Mitigation phase, which includes efforts to reduce the likelihood of an event occurring.
Policies and procedures are established during the Preparedness stage, and staff is trained. During an emergency, the team must be able to follow those policies and procedures during the response and recovery stages. Seniors often have a trusted single person they rely on during an emergency. They need access to a medical alert system if they can’t reach that person. If activated, this system is worn like a bracelet and will contact an emergency service.
Staffing
Unlike in the home, where seniors may be vulnerable to unscrupulous delivery people and neighbors, staff members at senior living communities are screened. They also have a responsibility to protect residents from abuse or neglect.
To do this, many communities use a combination of security equipment and monitoring, such as cameras or doorbells with intercoms. They also have well-lit pathways and onsite security guards. Senior living Florida facilities often design with a focus on safety, including wider hallways and showers with fold-down grab bars. These safety items can help reduce the risk of falls, a leading cause of injuries among older adults.
Many senior living communities also provide services that make it easier for residents to live safely, such as meal preparation and transportation. This helps reduce tripping and falling risks by removing the need for residents to travel independently. And many communities provide in-house training to keep employees updated on health and safety issues. This is important because 93 percent of workers say they stay longer at companies that invest in continuous learning.
Privacy
When a senior finds that they’re having trouble managing their own home or finding it too difficult to travel. It may be time to consider a move to senior living. But the term’ senior living’ needs to be understood, and many believe. They’ll be sent to a nursing home-like facility when choosing this lifestyle. While some communities offer care services, most are designed with independence in mind.
They also provide several safety measures to help residents stay safe and enjoy their freedom even longer. From conveniences like scheduled transportation and a full dining program to safety features such as nightlights and motion-detector lighting. There are plenty of ways that independent senior living communities can make life safer for their residents. And with various amenities and social activities, they can give seniors the freedom to live their best life. Read more exciting articles on Today World Info