According to Statista, the number of older people is expected to rise 22% by 2050. It’s a massive increase from 1950 when the percentage was only 8%.
Keeping in view the problems faced by old people worldwide, the United Nations designated October 1st as the International Day of Older Persons.
The day is celebrated every year to raise awareness regarding the problems faced by the elderly. In addition to this, on this day, people appreciate the contributions of senior citizens in society.
Every year a theme is set to cover the vast problems faced by our old people. This year the theme is “Digital Equity for All Ages.”
In line with the theme of this year’s International Day of Older Persons, we have compiled a few safety tips. These safety tips also include digital equipment that will ensure digital equity and keep our senior citizens safe.
Safety Tips For The Elderly
With the rising numbers of senior citizens living alone, it’s crucial to ensure their safety. Burns falls, and poisoning is among the common accidents that our senior citizens face. Older people who are living alone also become targets of criminals.
So, if you are an older adult living alone, or care for an old person, here is what you need to do for their safety. Plus, we have also mentioned safety devices for the elderly living alone that will come in handy.
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Remove Trip Hazards
Electrical cords, area rugs, ottomans, and low tables are significant risks. If there is a kid or pet animal in the house, make sure that the toys are not scattered. Cover all wires and cords. Also, make sure that there is non-slip flooring installed.
Safety devices for elderly living alone like Silent Beacon are perfect in case of an accidental fall. Just press the panic button and someone will be on their way to assist you.
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Install Bathroom Grab Bars
Most falls in the house occurs in the bathroom. To avoid that, install grab bars in the bathrooms. You can easily purchase these from hardware stores. And they are easy to install. You can do it yourself. If you are an elderly reading this, we suggest taking help from plumbers or home safety specialists.
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Provide Easy Seating
You can make the home senior-friendly by placing accessible seating. For instance, you can place a bench close to the front door so that the elderly can quickly put their shoes on.
In addition, shower and kitchen stools make it convenient for older persons to continue their daily activities. For example, it gives them the independence to cook and bathe on their own.
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Check Thresholds
Making thresholds convenient to cross is an initial step that should be kept in mind while caring for the elderly. Even if you are elderly yourself, make sure you cross thresholds very carefully.
High flooring between rooms can be a significant trip hazard. Take help from a safety expert about adding indoor ramps or handrails.
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Don’t Forget Outdoor Spaces
Make sure that the driveway doesn’t have cracks. For that, have a clear path that the elderly can walk on to reach the mailbox. Also, remove plants and rocks that can be a trip hazard for them.
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Provide Them Elderly Safety Devices
Almost 27% of adults ages 60 and older live alone.
More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s, and most of them are older persons.
In such a situation, a mishap can occur at any time, especially when the elderly live alone or are alone during specific hours.
With the digital transformation, panic buttons for seniors are available such as Silent Beacon, which they can use to call for help.
They can call for help even if they don’t have their phones available with them.
And let’s be honest, elderly don’t really bother with smartphones.
Let alone in case of an emergency.
It comes with other benefits as well such as location sharing with multiple alert methods.
In addition to this, you can make them use a medical alert app in case of health emergencies. These digital devices are easy to use and are very convenient.
Many panic buttons for the elderly are readily available and are a step forward to making the senior citizens tech-savvy while staying safe.
Why is Silent Beacon so great for older persons?
Silent Beacon is a Bluetooth® personal safety device that pairs to any smartphone, watch, computer or tablet with Bluetooth 4.0.
Even if the elderly live alone, they can call for help with a click of a button.
Silent Beacon is paired to the medical alert app that allows the elderly to call any number, including 911, at the touch of a button.
It can send any family, friends or emergency services you have chosen, texts, push notifications and email alerts accompanied by the real-time GPS location allowing the elderly to receive help faster in case of an emergency.
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Keep Emergency Numbers Handy
Emergency numbers need to be kept handy on cell phones. If the elderly are using a Silent Beacon panic button, they can alert all emergency contact numbers with just one click.
Here is a list of all the emergency contacts that all senior citizens should have:
- 911
- Emergency contacts. This can include family and friends
- Caregiving service if they have any
- Healthcare provider office if they have any
- Poison Control
Final Word
The list can seem long and overwhelming for all caregivers. Pick one task to start with, or you can divide these tasks among your family members. By ensuring the safety of the senior citizens at home, you will encourage them to stay happy and safe.
Falls commonly cause elderly people to experience serious injuries or even death. Get an elderly person you know and care for a Silent Beacon to prevent them from experiencing this kind of trauma.
So, this International Day of Older Persons, let’s join hands to keep our elderly safe.
