7 Essential Senior Living Safety and Security Features

For seniors seeking an independent living community experience, safety features are critical. You'll want to know that your loved one has the means to go about their day in a secure space. And creating a homey and safe environment goes hand in hand with the best senior living communities.

Keep reading to learn about the seven essential senior living safety and security features you'll want to prioritize!

1. Secure Entrances

You don't want just anyone accessing a senior community. Staffed front desks can be a first line of defense to keep an eye on the community. Having a person in the lobby is a great way to track who comes and goes while offering a friendly face to residents.

In senior living communities, secure entry points that require keypad access or facial recognition are critical, as well. That way, residents or staff members can ensure that only those intended to be in a space are there.

Having a centralized access control system enables staff to secure the building. They can determine who has access to the building and when to create a secure senior living situation.

And beyond the entrances and exits, assisted living security can include cameras mounted to walls and doors. Particularly in communities with hallways or common spaces linking the living areas, cameras offer another dose of security.

2. Good Lighting

Elderly safety features also need to include good lighting. Especially for those with diminished vision, well-lit walkways, stairs, and common areas are a must. Without adequate lighting, falls and other accidents are more likely to happen.

Lighting doesn't just translate to a safer space, either. Good lighting also creates a better overall environment that can make residents feel happier. Better lighting within apartments will help establish a warm and inviting space.

Further, lighting can help keep the exterior of a living community safe. Well-placed floodlights or motion-activated lights will deter criminals without bothering residents. And all of these efforts will add up to a safer place to call home.

3. Fall Prevention Features

Unfortunately, falls are a common risk for seniors. Balance issues and muscle loss can make staying steady while upright more of a challenge.

Consequently, making an effort to put fall prevention measures in place is another way to help create a safer environment for seniors. Good senior living communities will have many of tools and safeguards in place already.

Someone may come in from a walk, for instance, and trip over a rug. Or someone may trip simply getting out of bed or leaving the bathroom. With handrails and grab bars along walls, however, it is possible to prevent some of these debilitating falls.

Senior living communities should have non-slip floors and rugs. All steps should have handrails. And class offerings should include ones that target building strength and balance to help make falls less likely.

4. Medication Compartments

When it comes to senior safety measures, don't overlook medication. Many seniors rely on medications to maintain a healthy lifestyle. As such, attention to medication storage needs to be a component of their senior living community experience.

Medication should be organized in compartments with automated dispensers that make it easy to know when to take a particular dose. Reminders and other memos can ensure seniors know when to request prescription refills or how to reach their doctor. This attention to detail can help avoid medication dosage mistakes and ensure that only the right person has access to the medication.

A senior living community should help monitor medications, too. Routine check-ins with residents can help make sure they're safe and getting the assistance they need.

5. Safe Outdoor Areas

Having lush and attractive outdoor areas can be a welcome treat in senior living communities. Manicured gardens, trees, and pathways are an inviting part of senior living communities. And they can provide a boost to anyone's mood.

But it's also important that these areas are secure and monitored. You want to feel comfortable knowing your loved one is spending time in the community garden or relaxing with friends in the courtyard on a spring day. After all, senior facility security extends to the outdoors, too.

Fences and gates should surround all outdoor spaces. Cameras should be mounted to the fences or buildings to provide surveillance. And staff members should monitor the area when residents are outside enjoying the space.

6. Emergency Preparedness

If an emergency happens, will residents be able to access help right away? Secure senior living means having a 24-hour monitoring system in place to respond promptly during an emergency. Falls or other medical emergencies require swift action.

Emergency preparedness can include having call buttons on walls in bathrooms or bedrooms. These buttons should be in common areas, too, like dining rooms. Other options include having smaller buttons that seniors can wear to access care, regardless of where they are.

7. Skilled Staff

Finally, a reputable senior living community will have highly trained staff ready to help at a moment's notice. Staff members will know lifesaving techniques like CPR or the Heimlich maneuver. They'll be dutiful about checking in with residents, too.

It's fair to ask a senior living community about its staff-to-resident ratio. You also can ask what type of training they go through and how often they pursue refresher training.

Staff should have workloads that enable them to be vigilant members of the senior living community. This means they should have the time and ability to provide personal attention to residents. They also should be able to calmly handle emergency situations.

Look for These Senior Living Safety and Security Features

The best senior living safety and security features can offer independence and peace of mind. Look for senior living communities with highly trained staff, secure outdoor areas, and an emergency preparedness plan. They also should have interior spaces with adequate lighting, grab bars, and secure entrances.

At Addington Place of Sparta, we offer a vibrant senior living community with trained and caring staff. From spacious apartments to social events, our residents will find a comfortable place to call home. Contact us today to learn more!