Senior Independence Tips

As we grow older, we all hope to live as independently as possible. The month of February is Senior Independence Month, and it’s a great time to re-evaluate the safety of our seniors living in their own homes.

Consulate Health Care realizes that extra measures might be necessary for seniors to ensure they are living safely in their own homes. So, we are providing the following Senior Independence Wellness Tips to help make a senior’s current home safe and secure. Additionally, it is equally important to maximize the senior’s health and agility to prevent accidents from happening. Here are some helpful hints:

• Make sure each room in the house is well lit. Install nightlights in hallways, and especially near any stairs.
• Get rid of any clutter on the floor to prevent a tripping hazard. Loose rugs and cords can also be hazardous.
• Get regular exercise to promote flexibility and balance. Great options include yoga and walking with friends. Here are some additional Tips for reducing your risk of falling.
• Consider implementing physical helpers such ramps, lift chairs, and walkers with seats, that allow seniors to sit down and rest as needed.
• Install handrails and nonslip mats in the bathrooms as needed.
• For tips on safely handling prescription medications at home, read Prescription medication safety for seniors and their caregivers