The Glenview Is Serious About In-Home Safety for Seniors

Residents of The Glenview at Pelican Bay and their families can rest assured that home safety is a top priority in this community where a maintenance-free lifestyle, safety checks, and residence amenities provide a safe and comfortable living environment for all.

Just take it from Cheryl Holderfield, Director of The Glenview’s GlenCare Home Care Agency: “As a maintenance-free senior living community, residents don’t need to do any physical labor or upkeep on their residences and appliances,” she says. This alone automatically eliminates the risk of many in-home accidents or potential injuries.

“In addition, residences at The Glenview provide safety for residents along with comfort for their loved ones thanks to personal emergency response systems, a 24-hour front desk attendant, a clinical staff on-duty 24/7, and amenities like grab bars in individual residences and elevators to make life easy and convenient.” And there’s more.

THREE KEY TECHNOLOGIES HELP ENSURE SAFETY FOR THE GLENVIEW RESIDENTS

Personal Life Alert Pendants. “When a homeowner purchases a residence at The Glenview,” explains Cheryl, “a Life Alert pendant is given to them. This medical device will ping the front security desk if the resident falls or experiences another in-home emergency. An emergency nurse responds from 8 am-11 pm seven days per week. After hours, 911 is called.”

Emergency Pull Cords. Installed in each room of a resident’s apartment, this emergency alert system signals that help is needed in a specific room of the residence. Once the cord is pulled, a staff member appears in record time.

A Motion-Detector in Each Master Bathroom. When a resident moves into The Glenview, they are asked which bathroom will be used as the master. A 2-inch motion-only detector is then installed in the corner of the ceiling in that bathroom. Daily between the hours of 5:00 am and 11:00 am, the device senses motion (ONLY motion, as the device cannot see or hear a resident.)

If motion is detected, such as a light being turned on or off during those hours, an alert—either motion detected or motion not detected—is electronically transferred to The Glenview’s computer. If no motion is detected, the resident will receive a personal telephone call from the staff. We encourage residents to answer such a call, but if the call is not answered, a staff member immediately comes to the residence to make sure all is well. This is a great, non-invasive way to make sure all residents at The Glenview—especially those who live alone—are OK every day.

HOME SAFETY AND FALL RISK ASSESSMENTS.

GlenCare Home Care Agency is an in-home care resource that is available not only to The Glenview Residents but also to residents in the surrounding Naples area. “GlenCare follows a slightly different emergency response protocol for its clients in the surrounding area,” says Cheryl. “Upon admission, all GlenCare clients are required to take a home safety and fall risk assessment to identify ways to increase safety within their home. This formal assessment is then kept with their other charts and documentation for use by the GlenCare nurses and clinicians.” Find out more about our approach to in-home care and safety.

YOUR LOCAL RESOURCE FOR SENIOR IN-HOME SAFETY.

More older adults are choosing to live independently, therefore making it increasingly important to make sure all seniors can live easier and safer at home. The Glenview understands. We’re committed to positioning our community as the Naples area in-home safety resource for seniors who want to age in place.

Our philosophy: In-home safety really does require careful consideration and planning. Are you ready? We’re here to help and have provided the following checklist resource to assist you and your family members in evaluating your own home in terms of safety. We’ll begin with general tips and advice that encompass your entire living environment, and then provide helpful hints for specific areas of your home.

First, let’s look at the Big Picture . . .

• Remove the clutter – Donate or dispose of household items you’re no longer using.
• Look at the floor in each room – Is furniture blocking your pathway and forcing you to walk around?
• Reduce fall hazards – Do you have scatter rugs or mats on the floor that could cause you to slip? Put no-slip strips on scatter rugs or use non-skid mats on tile or wood surfaces that might get wet. Always wear non-skid shoes―never slippery socks!
• Check wires and cords – Do you have to walk over lamp or telephone wires, or extension cords?
• Where are your telephones located? – Put your telephones in easy-to-reach locations, not far from the floor in case you fall and need help getting up. Better yet, get a cellphone and keep it in your pocket at all times.
• Emergency numbers – Keep a list in BOLD PRINT near each phone. Include numbers for 911, a family member or friend to call in case of emergency, the poison control center, and your healthcare provider’s office.
• Evaluate your furniture – Make sure you have sturdy seating with supportive arms for ease in sitting and standing. Always rise slowly from your chairs or bed.
• Door handles and faucets – Replace with ones that are easier and more comfortable to use. These days, latch handles are much preferred over knobs!
• Light switches – Make sure they’re easy to use, 48 inches from the floor, and placed at the top and bottom of stairs. Always remember to turn on the lights!
• Smoke alarms/carbon monoxide detectors – Make sure these are placed in all key areas of the home; test and change the batteries regularly.
• Escape routes – Know at least two ways to get out of your apartment or home.

Improving in-home safety in specific rooms and areas . . .

Kitchen

• Avoid reaching or leaning down to get the item you need. Put the items you use most often on lower shelves.
• Use a Lazy Susan to increase access to out-of-reach items in cabinets and on the dining table.
• Use appliances that have an automatic shut-off feature.
• Get a stove-top with knobs in the front to avoid reaching over burners to adjust settings.
• When cooking, don’t wear loose clothes or clothes with long sleeves.

Bedroom

• Adjust the height of your bed so you can sit on it with knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
• Place a lamp close to the bed where it’s easy to reach.
• Keep a working flashlight in the nightstand for emergencies.
• Is the pathway from your bed to your bathroom dark? Install a nightlight so you can see where you are walking. Better yet, consider a trail of motion-activated lights from your bed to the bathroom.

Bathroom

• Install grab bars in/near the shower, tub, and other key areas in the bathroom to make getting around easier and safer.
• Use a non-slip rubber mat or self-stick strips on the floor of the tub or shower.
• Put a waterproof seat or chair in the shower.
• Install a comfort-height toilet.

So, what’s next?

Consider The Glenview your area resource for all things senior—including in-home safety as you age in place. Don’t be a stranger. Contact us for more information about The Glenview or the in-home health services of GlenCare Home Care Agency.