If you are currently looking for independent living communities for a relative, there is one emotion you feel more than any other: a sense of protection for your loved one.
That makes perfect sense. You want to ensure, above all else, that when they move into senior care facilities, they'll be moving into a place that prioritizes safety and security.
We've put together this article to explain some security aspects to consider when evaluating different senior living amenities. Read on to learn how to choose a community that feels secure and puts your loved one's safety first.
A safe and supportive environment for seniors means having the proper security. When seniors feel safe and live in a secure environment, they can lead more autonomous lifestyles, equivalent to a high quality of life.
Security encompasses many things. There is physical security, like secure entrances and an emergency call facility.
There is also health-related security, ensuring seniors have enough support to avoid hazards in their daily lives. There is also increasing cybersecurity, protecting seniors from risks such as phishing calls and access to their private financial information.
Adequate security in any senior living community must address all of these and always be balanced with the desire for seniors to have freedom.
Security measures in any senior community are varied. Still, all work in harmony to ensure the safety and well-being of residents. These measures fall into three categories: physical, digital, and health-specific.
Physical security is about protecting seniors' living environments. Features like gated entrances, surveillance cameras, and 24/7 security teams could be included.
These deter outsiders from gaining unauthorized access and help residents feel safe wherever they are in the community.
You may also see emergency response systems available for residents, including buttons in private rooms or wearable devices so residents can alert the security team if they need immediate help.
Digital security includes safe access to the Internet. But it also covers related protection, such as phone calls, protecting residents from fake callers trying to extract information.
Digital security also includes protecting residents' personal and financial data held on file.
Health-related security offers unique protection required by each resident.
For example, it might include special support for medication for those who have dementia or Alzheimer's to ensure they receive the correct dose and don't forget to take it.
It could also be an alert system for falls for those who struggle with balance and mobility. It will also cover support in the environment to protect residents, such as handrails in common areas.
Technology has dramatically impacted safety and security, so it is no surprise that living health communities have adopted this.
Smart technology is leading the way. IoT devices can make a huge impact on residents' safety, such as smart sensors and wearable devices that monitor health vitals and detect emergencies like falls.
In terms of environmental security, cameras now offer features like facial recognition and keyless entry. These features make security more reliable and convenient for residents, and there is less worry about a security lapse due to human error.
Telemedicine platforms have also become more popular.
These enable residents to contact healthcare professionals without having to arrange transport and a face-to-face visit, reducing the time it takes to get a diagnosis and treatment for many health issues.
This means it's vital that senior living communities offer the most up-to-date technology to bolster the security and safety of residents.
The most robust security needs the support and expertise of staff, even when using the most up-to-date technology.
Staff who understand emergency and evacuation procedures and health and safety risks can make a big difference to the overall security of a senior living community.
That means staff training and development are crucial, not just for new recruits but also for ongoing training to remind everyone of the importance of safety.
The most effective staff will have extensive training on recognizing risks or warning signs of an impending safety issue, which can be invaluable in an emergency, whether a health issue or security breach.
Having a secure living health community means ensuring residents understand the protocols as much as the staff.
It's a team effort to ensure the whole environment remains safe and secure. Training and guiding residents are the way to do this because it empowers them to take responsibility for security.
For example, that might involve teaching residents what to do in an emergency and how to raise the alarm.
It could also involve workshops to talk to residents about the risks of cybercrime, improve their awareness, and prevent seniors from becoming victims of fraud.
This is an ongoing effort, but it's vital to achieving a safe, independent living community for everyone.
It's not enough to believe that security is adequate because measures have been implemented. It should be continually monitored and measured, as there is always the risk of gaps.
It's best to take a proactive approach and test the effectiveness of security rather than spot it after a real-life security incident.
So, a responsible living health community should always put checks in place to test security measures, including drills, to help identify weaknesses. Continual monitoring also means revisiting best practices.
For example, if new technology emerges, a better way to handle entrance gate security may emerge than what a community has done in the past. So, it's always important to challenge the status quo and consider potential improvements.
Your loved one's safety is paramount. So when reviewing senior living amenities and comparing different communities, pay close attention to what each offers with security.
Take the time now to see what our senior living community has to offer. Then, book a tour to view our fantastic amenities in person.