Living in an independent living community is a great way to stay connected to the people and places you enjoy. Sometimes living alone and in your home can pose risks if you’re not cautious. A common risk for seniors who live alone is falls. In fact, nearly one-third of people over 65 experience an injury from a fall each year. However, many independent living communities in Kennedale, TX provide safeguards to help keep their residents safe. Read on to learn what these safeguards are and how they can help protect you from falls.
Handrails and Braking Surfaces
Handrails are usually embedded in the wall next to staircases and in hallways. They’re usually made of metal or plastic and are usually placed at a height that’s higher than your shoulders. They’re a good way to control how fast you move, which can help decrease the risk of falls. Many communities also feature brake surfaces on walking surfaces or in hallways. Braking surfaces are usually made of rubber or some type of synthetic material and are embedded in the floor or wall. When you walk on them, they send out friction that slows you down. Braking surfaces are a good way to help prevent falls because they can reduce your speed while walking.
Security Measures
Another key feature of safer communities is security measures. This could include security bars on windows and security gates at the entrances to your community. Security bars can help protect you from intruders. Monitoring systems can help you keep an eye on your surroundings and provide evidence in the event of a break-in. Moreover, security gates can help keep strangers out of your community. Some communities like ours also feature monitored access points that let you control who has access to your community.
Indoor Safeguards
Some communities also offer protective features inside your community like handrails on staircases, handrails on walkways, and low-pile carpeting in hallways. Low-pile carpeting is usually made of a thicker material that’s less likely to snag on furniture. It’s also less likely to become a tripping hazard.
Outdoor Safeguards
Outdoor safeguards like fencing can also help prevent falls. It can be used to create a barrier between the sidewalk and the street, between the community and a busy area, or between the community and a tree or other obstruction. It is important to remember that while these features can all help make your community safer, they’re not fool proof. It’s important to be aware of your surroundings and pay attention to your body. If you notice anything unusual or notice that you’re tired or dehydrated, it’s important to call 911 or seek medical attention. Safeguards are helpful, but they’re not a substitute for paying attention.
Living in an independent living community can be great for getting back into the community and social scene after being out of the workforce for a while. However, it can also pose risks if you’re not careful. Communities can help protect you from falling by using handrails, solid flooring, low-pile carpeting, and other features.
