As our parents and loved ones enter the sunset years of their lives, they are presented with a myriad of challenges pertaining to their health and well being. With deteriorating health, limited mobility, and other chronic conditions, older adults usually have a hard time adjusting to being dependent on others. Perhaps this is the primary reason why most of them are adamant about aging in place while their families are worried about their well-being.

In such cases, it is hard to pick sides because as important as it is to pay attention to their safe by mitigating the risks of falls, independence is paramount to self-worth regardless of age. Perhaps one of the best ways to navigate the fluid space is to understand how to strike a balance between safety and independence when it comes to senior care.

Create a Safe Environment at Home

While you’d want to move your aging parents to an assisted living facility, research has found that most older adults want to spend the golden years of their lives in their homes and community. However, according to a study conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, less than 10 percent of U.S. homes are "aging-ready," that is, they lack accessibility features such as a grab bar or shower seat. So in order to mitigate the risks of falls and burns, it is crucial that you create a safe environment for your loved ones by decluttering the space, updating smoking alarms, and rearranging furniture to better suit their needs. You can also install grab bars in the bathroom to ensure that they can go about their daily chores without running the risk of falls and injuries.

Install Safety Equipment in Your Home

Striking a balance between independence and caregiving is one of the most jarring concerns of senior care. However, you can mitigate the stress by employing technology in your favor. Installing a medical alert system in your elderly parent’s room can provide both emergency support and peace of mind. A motion sensor with a remote alarm can be installed along the bedside, near chairs, or doorways, and they can immediately notify the caregiver as soon the senior tries to leave the bed or room.

Understand That Communication is the Key

As imperative as it is to remove the clutter from your home and pay attention to the accessibility factors to accommodate the safety and independence of your aging parents, being emotionally present for them can also make a difference. Regardless of what your schedule looks like, it is always a great idea to take out time and talk to them about their day and if there’s something bothering them. Doing this will foster trust and build a healthy relationship between you.

Additionally, if you find yourself in a conflicting situation with them regarding their safety and independence, it is always recommended that you listen to their perspective with an open mind and try to resolve the issue by coming to a solution that works for everyone.

Now that you know that you can empower your senior loved ones to live independently without discounting their safety, it’s time you up your caregiving game! To get your hands on motion sensor alarms for the elderly, reach out to Kerr Medical.