Senior Safety First: What to Look for in an Assisted Living Community

Whether considering a move to assisted living for yourself or for a loved one, senior safety should be at the top of your list—does the community offer an environment that places a priority on safety for seniors, as well as on an engaging lifestyle? Here’s what to look for.

A checklist for senior safety

Details matter, especially when it comes to safety for seniors. And that includes home safety for seniors. You most likely do the best you can to keep your home environment free of obvious hazards such as cluttered stairways, poor lighting, or rugs on the floor. So, when you are considering a move to assisted living for yourself, or for a loved one, you want to be sure you are making a sound decision.

When touring an assisted living community, your list of important features probably includes things such as the right amenities, dining venues, comfortable residences, activities and more. Those are important, of course—just be sure that senior safety is high on the list as well.

What to look for in an assisted living community regarding safety for seniors

1. Bathrooms with safety features

A bathroom can become a dangerous place when certain features are left out. Here are just a few things to look for in an assisted living residence:

Easily reachable lighting
Higher toilets with safety bars for assistance and support
Walk-in showers with grip bars and non-slip mats
Shower chair or transfer bench
Adequate lighting, including an automatic nightlight
No rugs or slippery surfaces
Easy-to-use storage for toiletries

2. Wider hallways

Just getting around should be easy and worry-free in an assisted living community. You want to ensure that your loved one can safely navigate hallways and feel confident getting to activities, meals, and events. Hallways that incorporate senior safety feature the following:

Enough space for walkers, wheelchairs and other mobility devices
Safety railings on both sides of the hallway
Ample lighting (not too bright) that makes it easy to see 24/7
Slip-resistant flooring, such as vinyl or low-pile carpets that are securely fastened
No throw rugs or other slippery items on floors

3. Outdoor areas that are easy to navigate

It’s important for residents of an assisted living community to feel safe and confident getting outdoors, regardless of their level of mobility. Just being outside in the fresh air and natural scenery offers an array of positive benefits for emotional and mental health. Again, these features are just as important when evaluating home safety for seniors.

Clear, wide walkways help seniors navigate the space with confidence
Comfortable and accessible seating that are easy to get in and out of
Shady areas such as under a tree or pergola offer a respite from heat or sunburn in the summer
Adequate lighting for evening or night events
Raised garden beds that are easier to reach, and which promote activity and socialization
Controlled or secure entry for peace of mind

4. Professional staffing trained in senior safety

When touring assisted living, be sure to ask for details of the level of training in terms of senior safety and emergency situations. Staff members should also receive regular updates concerning new methods for protecting residents from potential hazards.

Continuous monitoring of resident health and wellbeing
Knowledge of first aid as well as steps to follow in the event of an emergency
Prompt assistance and attention with daily tasks to help prevent falls or injuries

5. Medication management

Helping seniors receive their medication in an orderly, accurate, and safe method is paramount for senior safety. Questions to ask a potential assisted living community could include:

Are medication plans tailored to each individual resident?
Are regular reviews of medications conducted for residents?
Is professional administration and monitoring in place?
Are medications locked safely out of reach except for the authorized administrator?

6. Fire safety

In an emergency, time is critical. So is knowing the exact procedure to follow in order to keep a potential hazard such as fire from becoming a serious occurrence. Here are some items to look for as you tour an assisted living community:

Functional smoke detectors
carbon monoxide alarms
Up-to-date and easily reachable fire extinguishers
A thorough escape plan which is regularly reviewed and updated

Find safety and security with Carriage Crossing Assisted Living

Whether the subject is home safety for seniors, or senior safety in assisted living, the message is clear: knowing what to look for can make a huge difference. Keeping residents safe and healthy is a priority at Carriage Crossing, where supporting your unique journey every step of the way is our chief goal.

Download our free guide, “Exploring Assisted Living at Carriage Crossing” or contact us today.

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