![]() ![]() “In addition, group classes not only provide activity and social interaction, they keep the mind healthy, too.” “Daily activity or exercise keeps your muscles strong to maintain balance and prevent falls,” Brandon says. The better lit your space is, the easier it will be to move around and keep thing tidy. “It’s important to have good lighting throughout the home and a nightlight near the bedside and in the bathroom to avoid trip hazards,” Brandon notes. If you want to keep the rugs, make sure the edges are well secured and move any loose electrical cords out of any paths of travel. Throw rugs, clutter on the floor and in walkways and items on the stairs can all be dangerous trip hazards. “Shower benches, walk-in showers and non-skid mats also make the bathroom a much safer place,” Petersen says. “The bathroom is often a place where falls and other accidents happen,” but installing grab bars near the toilet, bathtub or shower can help ease balance issues when sitting or standing. In the event of a fall or other emergency, being able to simply press a button on a necklace or wrist band to summon help be a literal life-saver. You’ve seen the ads on TV for the wearable emergency response services that many seniors rely on to live safely at home. “Many of these services allow you to set up regular, automatic deliveries with the same order,” Petersen says, which may help seniors “who struggle to remember to go shopping.” ![]() Many grocery stores now offer delivery, which can be an enormous help in bringing fresh, healthy foods to people who aren’t mobile enough to get to the store regularly. Hiring home maintenance personnel can help keep up the property and handle the bigger, more physical tasks of lawn care, cleaning and other routine maintenance tasks. Look for local agencies or senior centers that offer a variety of services such as transportation, repairs and errands.” You might be surprised at the range of assistance available out there – everything from help with meals to assistance decorating for the holidays. “But they should not hesitate to ask for support or help when needed. “Often, older adults don’t want to ask for assistance as they ‘don’t want to be burden,’” Brandon says. Brandon agrees, adding that “it’s important for seniors to have a strong social network of friends, family or neighbors – daily contact with someone creates a support system in times of need.” Learning to rely on others can be an emotionally difficult undertaking, especially if a senior is accustomed to doing things on their own or being very independent. “One of the most important things that seniors staying at home can do is make sure that they have regular communication with family, friends or someone who can help them with the usual work of maintaining their health and their home,” Petersen says. ![]()
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