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Moving into a residential assisted living community is a big step, whether for yourself or a loved one. When it’s time to make this big move, safety must be a top priority.
Older adults deserve to feel safe and comfortable in the senior care communities they move into. Doing your due diligence with research, taking tours, and asking as many questions as you can help you make a better-informed decision.
As you browse and visit different residential assisted living options, keep an assisted living safety checklist. Use this to best understand how different communities manage the safety and security of their residents.
Six key interventions that enhance safety in assisted living are:
Fire safety is important in every building, but especially in an assisted living community where many residents have difficulties with mobility. An assisted living community should implement every fire safety measure possible to protect its residents.
This includes but is not limited to:
Many assisted living communities have alarm systems in place designed to keep residents calm while still alerting the staff members as soon as possible to evacuate.
Older adults are more prone to falls and tripping hazards, so assisted living communities must take the proper precautions and measures in fall prevention.
This means assisted living buildings must have adequate lighting with easy-to-reach or automatic light switches, clear and wide hallways, even flooring, and sturdy handrails. Padded flooring also ensures residents are safe even when they fall to the ground.
Each resident has unique needs and preferences, properly handled by the assisted living staff. This includes medication management and assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and using the restroom.
Before choosing an assisted living community, you should receive an outlined personal care plan that addresses individual health conditions and concerns from the team.
Having in-room check-ins is an essential part of residing in assisted living communities; staff members can regularly monitor the health and wellness of all residents. Motion sensors in the rooms can be installed to monitor resident activity and alert staff if a resident needs additional help.
In terms of surveillance, security cameras around entrances, exits, and parking lots should be the bare minimum. A security system used throughout a residential assisted living community can help staff keep residents and their belongings safe.
Cleanliness is crucial in assisted living communities because older adults are more prone to viruses and illness. Ask staff members if they can share a detailed cleaning schedule with you as you tour their campus. Observe how tidy common spaces are kept. High-touch points like doorknobs and elevator buttons must be disinfected frequently to reduce the transmission of germs.
The most common safety hazards you and your loved ones should be aware of in an assisted living community are:
To make sure you or your loved one are safe, here are some general safety tips for seniors.
Looking after and taking care of yourself is always important and can inspire other residents to do the same. A healthy community is constantly looking out for one another, in happiness and safety.
Schedule a tour today to see our beautiful campus and meet our friendly staff and residents. Our communities are rich in amenities, services, and activities that are mere steps from the apartments.