How Can I Make My Home Safer?

Question: I would like to stay in my home as long as I can, but my children do not feel confident about that decision. What can I do to make my home a safer environment?

Many older adults want to age in place at home, and there are tools available to help. Simple fall prevention home adjustments and supportive devices can help reduce risk and increase comfort.

According to the Centers for Disease Control Prevention, falls are the leading cause of injury for adults ages 65 years and older. Over 14 million, or one in four older adults report falling every year. They can cause hip fractures and permanent injuries.

Falls are preventable!

Here are some helpful tips that you can follow that will make your home a safer environment.

Place better lighting in areas that might currently be dim, especially night lights. Clear walkways in your home to remove trip hazards like cords to your lamps, phone or computer. Remove magazine holders, trash bins, clothing, shoes, pet toys and bedding from areas that you commonly walk.

Bathrooms are a very common place to fall. Place safety features like handrails around your toilet and inside your shower. Remove any rugs in your bathroom/kitchen areas and get non-slip mats instead.

If you have difficulty getting off the toilet, place a toilet riser on the seat so you do not have to struggle to stand up. Bathtubs are very difficult to climb in and out of. Consider having your tub removed and replaced with a walk-in shower.

Stay aware of where your feet are placed before you walk. A simple side-step can land your foot on an item and make you tumble. Wet spots on the floor while you are doing dishes might go unnoticed until your shoe slips over the top of it.

Wear shoes that have backs on them. Backless, slip-on shoes might be easier to put on but they are a danger if they slide off while you take a step backwards.

Be aware of outside dangers. A hose laying on the ground could cause a twisted ankle and put you out of commission for a very long time. Watch out for gopher holes and sprinkler heads. Try to stay on flat, solid ground as much as possible. Watch out for gravel paths. The small, rounded rocks can slip out from under your foot if it is on a slope. Make sure that sidewalks, patios and porches are swept often to remove pebbles and leaves.

Falls don’t just happen because of your environment; it can be from your medication too. Have a meeting with your doctor to go over your medication list. Tell the doctor if any of your medications are causing you to be dizzy or light-headed. See if there can be a change in your medication that does not have that side effect.

There are home health devices you can purchase that will enable you to stay in your home longer. Medication alert devices will remind you to take your medication, or they can remind you of appointments.

There are camaras that you put on your front door so you can see who is there before opening it. Never open the door to a stranger no matter how hard they bang on it or what they say. Call 911 immediately.

Kaweah Health Lifeline has a pendant that you can press if you fall or have an emergency. Consider wearing one wherever you go. They are relatively inexpensive and are well worth the investment if it saves your life.

Telephone scams targeting seniors are growing every day. If you do not recognize the number, just let it go to voicemail and listen to it later. You should never give out your checking account number, social security number, or Medicare or credit card number over the phone.

The scammers pretend that you have not paid your bills and say that they won’t charge you a penalty if you give them your information. If you have any doubts, call the company that you work with and find out your account balance information.

I received a bill from my electric company that looked legitimate. I called them and found out my balance was paid in full and that it was a scam. These scams are over the phone and through the mail.

Making these home and lifestyle changes will give you more independence and reduce your stress about staying in your home. If you still have anxiety and concerns about the safety of your home, reach out to a family member or friend that can come into your home and give their opinion of things that can be done to make it a safer environment. Sometimes having fresh eyes taking a look will give better insight into things that you did not see for yourself.

Question: What is the difference between skilled nursing and assisted living?

Assisted living provides long-term housing, meals and social activities for seniors who need help with daily tasks but value their independence. Meals, utilities, transportation and maintenance are often included in the rent cost. The cost of caregiving services is an additional cost (in most communities) based on how often you need help and what type of help is needed.

Most communities have a variety of apartment choices such as studios, one bedroom and two-bedroom apartments. Many senior communities encourage you to decorate with your own furniture since it is your home.

Skilled nursing offers 24/7 medical supervision and rehabilitation, typically for short-term recovery after surgery, injury, or severe illness. You might be able to get a private room for a short time, but most skilled nursing rooms are shared with one or two people.

Assisted living care focuses on custodial care (help with bathing, dressing, medication management and meals). Residents live in their private apartments with caregivers coming into their apartments to help with a variety of care needs. You can get additional on-site physical therapy and occupational therapy if it is required. Home health companies are paid through insurance if they are ordered from your doctor.

Skilled nursing delivers more intensive, round-the-clock medical attention provided by licensed nurses and physical/occupational therapists. Most people who are in the hospital are discharged straight to skilled nursing for physical therapy to help them get stronger. Patients with more complex medical conditions that require a registered nurse to be there 24/7 would most benefit from skilled nursing.

The living environment of an assisted living very much resembles an apartment complex. You reside in an apartment-style setting with private or semi-private apartments. Assisted living makes it a priority to give you a home-like feeling, social engagement, and community activities along with care services if you need them.

A skilled nursing facility feels more clinical and institutional. Rooms are typically private or semi-private, and the environment is designed for medical observation and recovery. Furniture is provided for you, with a hospital bed, nightstand, clothing storage and television.

Cost and coverage for assisted living is usually much more affordable (often half the cost of skilled nursing if you are private paying there). Assisted living can be covered by long-term care insurance if you have it and can meet the requirements of the policy.

Most assisted living communities are not covered by Medicare or standard health insurance. Costs are paid out-of-pocket or through long-term care insurance. VA Aid and Attendance may be helpful if you qualify for the veteran program.

Skilled nursing facilities have a higher cost to you if you are paying privately because of the intensive medical staffing and specialized therapies that they offer. They are often covered for eligible individuals through Medicare, Medi-Cal or private insurance, especially for short-term rehabilitation. Certain requirements must be met before you can stay long-term on Medi-Cal.

I hope this gives you a better idea to the differences between assisted living and skilled nursing. Many individuals are paying more to stay long-term at a skilled nursing because they are not aware that assisted living communities can meet their needs at a lower cost and in a more personalized and private setting.

Kimberly Jensen has been working with Quail Park as a Senior Resource Advocate for over ten years and has helped hundreds of families find solutions to their senior problems. If you have a question, you can send it to her at KimberlyJ@QPCypress.com or call (559) 737-7443.