Aging in place offers many benefits for seniors who want to remain independent for as long as possible. However, living alone also comes with potential safety concerns, including an increased risk of injuries and loneliness. If you have an aging loved one who lives on their own, it’s important that you check in regularly and take steps to help them create a safe living environment where they can thrive. Here are some simple things that you can do to make your loved one’s home safer so that they continue to comfortably age in place.

Eliminate fall hazards.

Seniors are at a higher risk of falling due to a variety of factors such as weakening joints, poor eyesight and decreased balance. In fact, falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries in seniors 65 and older, according to CDC. Here are some safety tips that can help make your loved one’s home safer while minimizing the chances of an injury or fall.

• Improve lighting.  Replace light bulbs regularly and make sure bathrooms, stairs and hallways are adequately lit.
• Remove clutter. Clear clutter from around the house, like books, shoes and electrical cords, that have piled up in high-traffic areas.
• Secure rugs in place. Prevent area rugs from sliding by holding them in place with sturdy, double-sided tape.
• Repair trip hazards. Fix uneven surfaces around the house like uneven steps or wobbly floorboards.
• Fall-proof your bathroom. Install bathroom grab bars in the shower to prevent slips and falls. Shower chairs can also be permanently attached to a stable surface if balance is an issue.
• Check for outdoor hazards.  Inspect the driveway or sidewalk for cracks. Remove rocks or roots from the lawn, and make sure there is clear path to the mailbox.
• Wear non-slip footwear. To provide more traction indoors, wear shoes or slippers with rubber bottoms around the house.

Have an emergency plan.

Seniors who live alone should have easy access to emergency contact numbers including family, friends, neighbors, healthcare providers and poison control. If they don’t have a landline, make sure they have a fully charged cellphone within reach at all times. Medical alert systems are also great options, especially if your loved one is at risk for falls. These wearable devices provide quick, 24/7 access to emergency help with the touch of a button.

Practice fire safety and poison control.

Check that your loved one has a carbon monoxide detector as well as fire detectors in the home. Regularly test these alarms and replace batteries as needed. Similarly, help prevent medication mix ups by keeping prescription drugs in their original packaging and clearly labeled to avoid confusion. By keeping medications together and well organized, seniors can see what is being taken, when refills will be needed and when to dispose of expired medications

Prevent isolation and loneliness.

One of the biggest disadvantages to living alone in your golden years is that it can be isolating and lonely. If your senior loved one is aging in place, regularly check in on them. Look for signs of loneliness or depressions such as:

• Decreased interest in hobbies
• Poor sleep habits
• Decline in personal care
• Decreased appetite or weight loss
• Changes in mood and behavior

Is it time to transition to a senior living community?

Despite your best efforts to keep your senior’s home safe and secure, you may reach a time when your loved one can no longer live on their own without assistance. Here are some clues that your loved one could benefit from a move to a senior living community.

• They have experienced one or more falls, despite safeguarding the home.
• It has become increasingly difficult for them to keep up with housekeeping and maintenance.
• They are no longer able to safely prepare meals or shop for themselves.
• Climbing stairs is no longer safe or possible.
• Your loved one has become more isolated and withdrawn.
• As a primary caregiver, you are unable to provide adequate at-home assistance and care for your loved one.

Senior living communities, such as the communities operated by Senior Solutions, provide all the comforts and conveniences of home—without the maintenance. Residents never have to worry about cleaning, housekeeping, laundry and repairs—it is routinely handled for them. And when extra assistance is needed with activities of daily living, senior living communities can provide the extra support residents needs with bathing, eating, grooming or transportation.