Sense of security impacts one’s feelings and confidence. When a person feels safe, he or she can enjoy life more without worry. When choosing a retirement community for you or a senior member of your family, you should always consider safety. You want to make sure that you are choosing a safe and secure house, community, and surrounding neighborhood. This way, you or your loved one can truly make the most of retirement life.
Here are some of the ways to tell if a community is safe for seniors.
Walk or Drive Around the Neighborhood
If you want to know what the senior living community and its surrounding areas have to offer, go for a walk or a drive. Don’t wait until you have signed documents and moved into a new home before doing this. In fact, you should take a tour of every potential senior living community on your shortlist. This will also be a great chance to meet the residents and talk with them to get to know the community better.
Every time you do a tour, pay attention to the appearance of the buildings, suites, and community amenities. A safe and secure community shouldn’t be in a state of disrepair. Rather, they are properly maintained and kept clean.
Find Out About Crime Rates
One of the things to do when looking for a home is to search for crime statistics in a particular neighborhood or city. You can easily get results on the internet. A high crime rate is a red flag.
Take a Look at the Community Amenities
One of the reasons older adults move to a senior home is to gain free access to community amenities. Each community may vary in terms of the facilities they offer. Some have swimming pools, clubhouses, game rooms, and fitness studios. Since these are places where residents do a lot of physical activities, community administrators should ensure they are safe. There must be constant supervision and emergency equipment available. They should also have grab bars and handrails in their bathrooms and staircases.
Know about Emergency Response Monitoring
People are more prone to falling and slipping as they get older. In the United States, it is estimated that about 36 million falls occur each year, with one in four adults aged 65 and over falling each year. This is why there should be emergency response monitoring in retirement communities. Qualified professionals should be able to provide immediate support and care to prevent in case a resident fell, slipped, and got injured.
Check Apartments and Suites
How retirement communities can prevent fall? By installing grab bars or handrails in various areas inside their houses. They also make sure the community is well-lit so residents can spot any obstacle on their way.
Ask Around
The best way to know about safety and security measures in a retirement community is to ask the people working there. They are the ones who can explain in detail the programs and systems in place to ensure their residents are safe. Ask everything you want to know, such as alarm systems and access control systems. You should also express your concerns when speaking to them.
