The 5 Questions to Ask When Ensuring Home Security for the Elderly
Caring for elderly family members is never a simple proposition, but it should get your full attention as soon as you notice a change in their everyday life. For an elderly person living alone, the amount of home security precautions you should take will be even higher. Whereas simple tasks could be a breeze with a helping hand nearby, these same tasks could become dangerous when an elderly person handles them unassisted. When trying to make sure an elderly family member or friend will be safe at home, ask these five questions.
1. Have basic home security precautions made life more difficult? It is always wise to have doors and windows secured as part of a quality home security plan, but remember that multiple locks and adjustments can be tough on arthritic joints and fingers. Try to make security measures stick with the least amount of participation required. Install a hotel-style door block so it will be possible to open the door just a bit and interact with a visitor without worrying the door will be forced open.
2. Does the apartment or house layout suit his or her lifestyle? There are a number of routines around the house which become quite complicated with old age. In the kitchen, for example, when the upper cabinets are being used, there is too much reaching involved for safety to be guaranteed. Spend some time helping to move things to eye-level or below. Likewise, make sure that the entrance to the home is well-lit and the light switches and faucets are not difficult to operate.
3. How safe is the bathroom? The bathroom is one of the most perilous places in the home for the elderly. The constant presence of water leaves open the opportunity for slips if there is any type of leak. Make a routine check of the sink and tub to make sure everything is well-caulked. Also, install safety bars for use in the shower and around the toilet. Another good idea is to create traction in the shower or tub with a rubber mat.
4. Are the medical alert intercoms sufficient? Many home security companies offer the option of tying a medical alert package into the plan. This option should be exercised so there is always a line of communication open, even if the phone cannot be reached. Intercom systems are the most effective method, but remember that a necklace or key chain to be worn at all times is the safest route.
5. How much range does a "panic" button have? When the intercoms are too far away to communicate through, the last resort will be the so-called "panic" button which alerts a home security company of an emergency and requests help. Before you finish doing your homework on this device, learn how far a range the button has and measure that around the home.
1. Have basic home security precautions made life more difficult? It is always wise to have doors and windows secured as part of a quality home security plan, but remember that multiple locks and adjustments can be tough on arthritic joints and fingers. Try to make security measures stick with the least amount of participation required. Install a hotel-style door block so it will be possible to open the door just a bit and interact with a visitor without worrying the door will be forced open.
2. Does the apartment or house layout suit his or her lifestyle? There are a number of routines around the house which become quite complicated with old age. In the kitchen, for example, when the upper cabinets are being used, there is too much reaching involved for safety to be guaranteed. Spend some time helping to move things to eye-level or below. Likewise, make sure that the entrance to the home is well-lit and the light switches and faucets are not difficult to operate.
3. How safe is the bathroom? The bathroom is one of the most perilous places in the home for the elderly. The constant presence of water leaves open the opportunity for slips if there is any type of leak. Make a routine check of the sink and tub to make sure everything is well-caulked. Also, install safety bars for use in the shower and around the toilet. Another good idea is to create traction in the shower or tub with a rubber mat.
4. Are the medical alert intercoms sufficient? Many home security companies offer the option of tying a medical alert package into the plan. This option should be exercised so there is always a line of communication open, even if the phone cannot be reached. Intercom systems are the most effective method, but remember that a necklace or key chain to be worn at all times is the safest route.
5. How much range does a "panic" button have? When the intercoms are too far away to communicate through, the last resort will be the so-called "panic" button which alerts a home security company of an emergency and requests help. Before you finish doing your homework on this device, learn how far a range the button has and measure that around the home.
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