Provo-Orem, Utah is home to some of the healthiest and happiest seniors in America. Independence plays a significant role in these two statistics, and there are ways to continue being independent without sacrificing your safety.
Handrails for the Bathroom
Eighty percent of all accidents in the house involving seniors occur in the bathroom, making it the most dangerous place in your home. Bathroom handrails or grab bars can lower the chances of accidents happening, as well as make it easier for you to move around the bathroom. Most accidents in the bathroom occur when using the toilet, so make sure you have grab bars around the toilet seat. You can even use an elevated toilet seat to make it easier on your knees.
Take Your Baths Sitting Down
Slips and falls in the showers can be dangerous and getting in and out of a tub can be quite impossible for some seniors. Walk-in bathtubs in Utah solve that problem by letting you remain seated as you soak in your bath. Getting in and out is as easy as opening a door and taking a seat. You can quietly read a book or watch a game form your tablet; just make sure it’s not plugged. Soaking in a bath is especially important for seniors with mobility issues, as soaking in water raises your metabolism and somewhat regulates your weight.
Give Your Knees Some Help
If your knees aren’t as strong as they used to be, you’ll probably need a little bit of help getting around the house or your neighborhood. A simple cane or walking stick can sometimes be enough to get you moving again. However, if your knees are banged up pretty hard, you can use walking frames, safety walkers, or one of those fancy mobility scooters. Make sure to clear your house of loose rugs or anything that can slip under you or get tangled with your mobility aid.
Use Tech to Take Your Meds
Overmedication — the majority of which is unintentional — is one of the leading causes of poisoning among seniors. Taking your meds regularly is essential, and if you’ve forgotten whether or not you’ve received your meds for the day, you’ll probably stay on the “safe” side and retake them. This can be problematic, especially once your memory starts to get particularly hazy. You can use automated pill dispensers that will remind you to take your meds and prevent you from taking more than your daily doses.
Alert Someone When Mishaps Occur
Slips and falls are almost unavoidable and calling for help after an accident can be difficult for seniors living on their own. A medical alert system can somewhat solve this problem, as it can alert emergency services or a nearby relative whenever you suffer an emergency. These devices can detect falls, enabling them to inform emergency services even if you are unconscious.
Living on your own comes with its risks. However, you can still make things a little bit safer around the house and live independently for a bit longer.