[ECO]6 Ways to Increase Safety in Senior Living Facilities

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6 Ways to Increase Safety in Senior Living Facilities 

As the number of older adults expands in the U.S., the need for improved safety measures in senior living facilities increases as well. Resident well-being is one of the primary reasons residents and their families choose to make these communities their home. As such, caregivers and senior living operators must be aware of potential safety risks and how to implement measures to address them.

Following these safety tips in

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settings can ensure residents’ health, wellness, comfort and quality of life.

1. Ongoing Staff Training

Adequate staffing and regular training sessions are integral to senior living safety. All employees should undergo background checks and attend ongoing programs focusing on maintaining a secure environment.

Training should include the specific protocols, drills and procedures for various emergency situations in the

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, such as fires, natural disasters, severe weather, viruses and homeland security threats.

In addition to common issues like medication administration and first aid training, senior living staff should receive ongoing education related to specific senior needs, like fall prevention, infection prevention and control and ways to support residents’ physical, emotional and social well-being.

Facilities can refer to The Department of Health Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), which offers

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to improve care quality and promote a culture of safety in assisted living settings. 

2. Security Measures

Security is the most crucial function of senior living facility operators. Older adults are vulnerable to safety and privacy issues, and care facilities should have proper security measures in place to keep residents safe, such as:

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  and family members of residents should identify themselves per the protocols before entering the care facility. All staff, service workers and vendors should also be screened to monitor who is entering the facility and ensure the safety of residents. 
• Security cameras and lighting: Communities should have security cameras in areas where seniors could fall, experience a medical emergency or wander from the facility. These should be placed in entrances, parking areas, hallways, and common areas, with adequate lighting to ensure visibility. 
• Secure entrances and exits: Limited exit points and the use of key fobs, keypads or card access systems can control who goes in and out of the building and ensure a more secure environment. 

3. Fall Prevention Strategies

Each year, around

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are admitted to the hospital for fall-related accidents. Fall prevention is a critical aspect of safety in senior living facilities, including implementing the following measures: 

• Non-slip floors: Rubber mats and flooring are excellent options for older adults. Rubber naturally absorbs impact and has superior slip resistance. Additionally, it offers another layer of padding in the event of a trip or fall.  
• Mobility devices: Railings along corridors or support bars near bedsides can provide additional stability when older adults need to walk or move around, reducing the chances of falling.
• Clutter-free walkways: It’s critical to keep all pathways free of obstructions while ensuring any rugs or carpeting is securely attached to the floor to prevent trip and fall hazards. 
• Proper lighting: Excellent lighting ensures that all residents can clearly see where they are going at night, reducing the risk of bumps, trips and falls. 

4. Exercise 

Daily exercise and supervised fitness classes are excellent ways to increase safety in senior living facilities. Physical activity can help improve strength, balance and coordination, which can help prevent falls and keep seniors healthy. Plus,

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and boost mental health, improving the quality of life for residents.

Chair yoga, walking, stretching, and aquatic therapy are all beneficial but easy exercises that older adults can do in the community. As they gain more strength and stability, they can feel safer and more confident about exploring other hobbies and activities.  

5. Frequent Health and Wellness Checks

The health of residents in assisted living can change from day to day or hour to hour. Frequent health and wellness checkups can bring peace of mind to residents. Advanced monitoring and data collection technology can help you respond to new information in real time and prevent emergencies.

Many facilities also have in-house specialists to assist in regular checkups and personalized health care programs. Nutrition guidance is vital, ensuring seniors eat a

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to prevent chronic ********* and other health conditions. 

6. Social Connection 

Maintaining social connections is vital to senior health and safety. Social gatherings and engaging conversations can keep the brain working

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and other age-related ********* that increase safety risks. It can also foster a sense of purpose and belonging, protecting seniors from depression and isolation. 

Senior living facilities can promote social connections by allowing plenty of family visits, arranging outings and creating clubs that interest the community and bring everyone together. 

Promote a Safe and Secure Senior Living Facility

Various elements go into creating a safe senior living environment, from fall prevention and emergency preparedness to physical and mental health protection. Senior care staff and operators can implement comprehensive safety measures to promote their residents’ comfort and quality of life.  

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