Tips to keep your elderly parent safe
You may be constantly worried about the safety of your elderly parents. If your elderly parents live alone, then this can be even more nerve-wracking. There are a number of things that you can do in order to keep your parents safe.

Keep Emergency Numbers Handy
This is one of the most important elderly care tips. Your parents need to know who they can call if they are faced with a medical emergency. In addition to 911 and the poison control center, they will need to have the phone numbers of several family members that they can call. Additionally, they will need to have the phone numbers of their healthcare providers. Put these phone numbers on the refrigerator or another place where they can easily be found.
Prevent Falls
Elderly people are at a greater risk of falling. Falls are also one of the leading causes of death among elderly people. Rebecca Fierle, a professional who focuses on elderly care and can perform an in home assessment, recommends that you do everything that you can in order to prevent your elderly parents from falling.
If your parents have trouble walking, then you should encourage them to use a cane or walker to get around the house. You should also encourage them to use banisters and rails when they are going up and down the stairs. Additionally, hallways should be kept free of objects.
You may also want to purchase a special alarm for your elderly parents. If your parent falls and cannot get to the phone, then all they will have to do is press a button. They will be able to get help immediately.
Encourage Them to Stay Hydrated
Seniors are more likely to become hydrated because their bodies do not conserve water as easily. Dehydration is more likely to occur during the summer, but it can occur at any time of the year. That is why you will need to encourage your parents to drink water on a regular basis.
Talk to the Doctor
Rebecca Fierle recommends that you talk to your parents’ doctor on a regular basis. What type of medications does my parent take? What type of medical conditions do they have? Do any of the medications interact with one another? What are the side effects? Are there any activities that my elderly parents should avoid? Those are some of the questions that you should ask your parents’ doctor.
Exercise Smart
Exercise is one of the topics that is often discussed during an in home assessment. Exercise has a number of benefits. It can reduce the risk of chronic illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease. The risk of developing these conditions increases as one gets older. Even if your loved one already suffers from a chronic condition, exercise can make it easier to manage.
Exercise can also improve quality of life. However, seniors have to be careful when they exercise. Encourage them to wear the proper clothing if they will be exercising outside. You will also need to encourage them to stop if they experience severe fatigue or pain.
