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Aging in place is a great way for people to spend their golden years in an independent, comfortable, and familiar environment. However, since getting older comes with increased health risks, it’s important to increase one’s safety by making lifestyle and home adjustments. Specializing in senior home health care in the St. Louis, MO, area, Deer Valley Home Health Services highlights a few ways you can promote safety when you or a loved one are aging in place.

5 Senior Home Health Care Tips to Help Prevent Emergencies

1.  Prevent Falls  

Falls are the leading cause of injury-related death among Americans age 65 or older, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Fortunately, you can limit this risk by making adjustments in the home to promote balance. For example, you can add handrails to provide stability to seniors. You can also remove trip hazards and improve lighting to increase visibility.

2. Keep Medications Clear

senior home health careFrom blood thinners to beta blockers, medications are a cornerstone of senior health. While these drugs are designed to prevent major health problems, they can pose a serious risk if they are taken incorrectly or mixed with other medications. That’s why it’s essential to make sure all prescription meds are clearly labeled and organized. It’s also worth checking in with a doctor regularly to ensure the medicine isn’t creating harmful side effects.

3. Take a Walk

Senior years don’t have to be spent sitting on a couch. In fact, seniors who get in light activity on a regular basis can maintain strength and energy levels. Taking walks throughout the week or participating in a low-impact water aerobics class, for example, can promote healthy heart function, boost mental stimulation, enhance energy, and keep muscles strong to lower the risk of falling.

4. Wear a Medical Alert Bracelet

Since many seniors live alone, it is important that they have a way to reach help in the event of an emergency—such as a fall or heart attack. In these situations, a medical alert bracelet can provide peace of mind when no one is around or a phone can’t be reached. With a simple touch of a button, the bracelet can alert authorities and request emergency services to the home.

5. Hire a Senior Home Health Care

Caregivers are excellent resources for seniors that may need extra assistance with chores or health management. They can also detect changes in behavior or memory that may be indicative of a larger issue requiring medical care.

If you or a loved one need an extra hand, find someone you can trust. For reliable senior home health care in St. Louis, St. Charles, or Berkeley, MO, consider Deer Valley Home Health Services. Not only does this home health agency provide fully-trained caregivers, but they also conduct background checks to ensure safety. To learn more about their affordable elderly care services, call (314) 355-3679 or visit their website.

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