The senior resident lifestyle should offer safety and security. Many components of a comprehensive safety strategy are unseen by residents and visitors, such as staff background checks. Whether visible or not, each component is vital to protecting overall safety in senior living.
Transparency may be one of the most important elements of security in senior living. At Westminster Place, we are always happy to answer questions about how we keep your loved ones safe. Contact Westminster Place today at 903.329.6520 or online to learn more.
5 Elements of Safety and Security in Senior Living
If your aging parent is living at home alone, you already know there are many things to worry about. No matter how healthy and independent they are, concerns about isolation falls, medication mix-ups, and general quality of life are never far from your mind.
Moving into a senior living community can alleviate most of those concerns, but it also brings up new ones. Who are the people taking care of your loved one, and what safety protocols are in place in case of an emergency?
1. Building Design
The security features of every building in a senior community are chosen to improve safety in senior living. Surveillance and monitoring systems help staff members monitor residents and prevent unauthorized persons from accessing residents’ homes. Constant monitoring also enables a fast response if any suspicious activity does occur.
Some of the technologies and measures used to keep residents safe include:
- Motion detection
- Remote viewing cameras
- Alarms
- Keycard and biometric entry systems
- Visitor registration protocols
- Security guards
- Non-slip flooring
- Emergency call buttons
- Safety bars in bathrooms
These safety measures reduce accidents and provide security for senior living residents and their families.
2. Robust Staff Training
Background checks are only the beginning of ensuring that all staff members understand the importance of maintaining safety in senior living.
From the housekeeping team to medical professionals, thorough training ensures that every staff member knows how to communicate effectively with residents, resolve conflicts, and respond to an emergency.
3. Community Engagement
The best measures for safety and security in senior living fall short if residents aren’t involved. As they are able, residents are encouraged to participate in workshops, drills, and educational sessions regarding the safety and emergency measures in a senior living community.
4. Medication Management
Close collaboration with a resident’s medical team is the first step in the safe distribution of medication. Enforcing strict protocols for storing, distributing, and administering medication eliminates concerns about adverse interactions, skipping doses, or taking too much medication at once.
5. Fall Prevention
Falling is one of the biggest health concerns among older adults. A broken bone or brain injury can take months to heal and may lead to additional health problems. In addition to physical prevention measures like grab bars and adequate lighting, exercise programs are a vital part of improving safety and security in senior living communities.
The Role of State and Federal Regulation
The state of Texas as well as the federal government lay out strict safety guidelines for senior living communities of all kinds. These guidelines are created and enforced to improve the safety and overall health of all residents living in a senior community.
Find Peace of Mind at Westminster Place – Schedule a Tour Today
It’s wise to be concerned about security in senior living. The many elements that provide security in a senior living community work together to create an environment that is even safer than most people’s homes.
If you’re concerned about your own safety or that of a loved one, Westminster Place can put your mind at ease. Call Westminster Place today at 903.329.6520 or connect with us online to schedule a tour and learn more about our safety protocols.