Assisted living facilities have staff available 24 hours a day in case residents need help. Communities may have alert systems that allow residents to quickly get emergency help with a push of a button. Security systems may include cameras in common areas or motion sensors in private apartments to detect falls, a major health risk for elderly adults. In fact, one in four seniors will fall each year, according to the CDC. Once staff understand a resident’s risk, they have several ways to help them stay safe, including the following:· Managing medications. Assisted living staff manage medications to help residents take medicines as prescribed. They may also monitor for drug interactions and side effects like dizziness or drowsiness, which may put seniors at risk for falls.· Keeping seniors active. Many communities offer exercise classes to improve balance, mobility, and strength.· Proactively practicing safety. Spaces are accessible and designed to prevent falls, with safety features like even flooring and hand rails. Areas are kept free of clutter and fall hazards. Some facilities may also offer classes to teach seniors fall prevention techniques to reduce their fall risk.· Helping with personal care Regular daily activities, like bathing or dressing, may be a fall risk for some elderly adults. Residents in assisted living receive help based on their unique needs.· Anticipating needs Staff at assisted living facilities get to know residents, their routines, and habits to anticipate their needs. For example, if a senior wakes up early, staff make sure their eating and toileting needs are met in a timely manner to discourage unsafe
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