In-home care offers senior citizens the best of both worlds: independence and customizable, personal attention. It’s no wonder then that it’s become an increasingly popular option. With this in mind and the arrival of National Safety Month this June, there’s never been a better time to assess the safety of older adults living alone. Read on for tips to minimize common domestic hazards such as falls, burns, and poisoning, but be mindful that this isn’t a one-and-done matter. You’ll want to conduct ongoing checks to maintain safe conditions. You may even want to hire an occupational therapist or nurse to visit your home to help evaluate danger.
Keep safe throughout the home Reports show that more than 75% of accident-related injuries occur in the home, and for senior citizens, the odds rise even higher. In all areas of the house, implement the following safeguards:
Watch out for slick surfaces in the bathroom
Keep safe throughout the home Reports show that more than 75% of accident-related injuries occur in the home, and for senior citizens, the odds rise even higher. In all areas of the house, implement the following safeguards:
- Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers on every floor
- Clear floors of obstacles that might cause tripping, such as phone cords and loose floor mats
- Place emergency numbers near phones
- Consider a medical alert device to enable the elderly to summon quick help in the event of an accident
- Reorganize to make commonly used items more accessible
- Clean up spills right away
- Keep doors and windows locked
Watch out for slick surfaces in the bathroom
- Place rubber grip mats in and outside the tub
- Install grab bars around the toilet and tub
- Keep a nightlight with a fresh bulb for nighttime bathroom trips
- Set your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or below to lessen the risk of scalds
- Downsize to a single-story home if possible
- Install light switches at the top and bottom of the staircase (non-glare bulbs should be used throughout the house)
- Lay down light-colored carpeting or another non-slip surface
- Hire someone to regularly salt and shovel outdoor stairs in the winter
- Purchase silicone heat-resistant handle covers for pots and pans
- Choose tea kettles and space heaters with automatic shut-off functions
- Consider limiting cooking only to when in-home care professionals are available
- Separate toxic cleaning supplies from food items
- Clearly label prescription medicines and keep them in a well-lit area to minimize confusion