While health and long term care costs continue to escalate, preparation for managed care should be planned in advance as we get older. For those of us destined to spend our last days with family in their home instead of an assisted living facility, arrangements can be met with apprehension. Most of us don’t want the additional burden of that planning placed on our loved ones when we can prepare for it beforehand. The key is to design an affordable long term care system that can be flexible when and if circumstances arise.

One basic and crucial concern is a safe environment.

A safe environment for the elderly begins with the area they will spend the majority of their time: living and bedroom areas. Logically, these areas should be on the first floor closest to each other, if possible. For situations in which the primary caregiver is not close, an affordable internal intercom system can be installed. BEC Integrated Solutions can provide you with a free quote to design a personalized home intercom system or you can purchase a simple and affordable Two Call Button Paging System that includes Two Call Buttons and One Pager. With one press of a button, the primary caregiver is immediately notified that assistance is needed. BEC Integrated Solutions also has a wireless multi-channel monitoring system with three buttons and a pager.

The following statistical information provided courtesy of The Senior Health & Wellness Blog at Shell Point Retirement Community:

  • When an elderly person falls, their hospital stays are almost twice longer than those of elderly patients who are admitted for any other reason.
  • The risk of falling increases with age and is greater for women than men.
  • Annually, falls are reported by one-third of all people over the age of 65.
  • Two-thirds of those who fall will do so again within six months.
  • Falls are the leading cause of death from injury among people 65 and older.
  • Approximately 9,500 deaths in older Americans are associated with falls each year.
  • More than half of all fatal falls involve people 75 or over.
  • Among people aged 65 to 69, one out of every 200 falls results in a hip fracture. That number increases to one out of every 10 for those aged 85 and older.
  • One-fourth of seniors who fracture a hip from a fall will die within six months of the injury.
  • The most profound effect of falling is the loss of functioning associated with independent living.

Here are a few tips for fall prevention:

  • Moveable rugs should be fastened down or removed all together.
  • Remove all electrical cords from walkways.
  • Refrain from adding wax to hardwood or bare floors.
  • Secure stair rails.
  • Use a walking aid.
  • Refrain from bathing when by yourself.
  • Install non-skid surfaces, railings and grab bars in the bath or shower.
  • Have night lights strategically placed throughout high traffic areas.
  • Keep floors free of clutter.

BEC Integrated Solutions can provide you with a host of fall prevention accessories including alarms and prevention devices. These devices are affordable, user friendly and wireless to prevent any stumbles. Whether living alone or with family, BEC Integrated Solutions can provide you with necessary and affordable solutions to your long term care.