As our loved one’s age, ensuring their safety and comfort at home becomes a top priority. Preparing your home for senior care is particularly important for addressing potential hazards. Creating a supportive environment can significantly impact their mental health and overall well-being. To help you in this process, we’ve compiled a comprehensive safety checklist that guides you in making your home safer and more accessible for seniors receiving care. BrightStar Care of Omaha is here to provide the necessary home healthcare services to support you every step of the way.
At BrightStar Care of Omaha, we take the safety and comfort of our clients seriously. We review with our clients an extensive list of safety concerns to ensure their homes are as secure and accessible as possible. The following is an example of what we will go through during our assessment, but it’s important to note that this checklist is not all-inclusive. Our dedicated team is committed to addressing everyone’s unique needs to create a safe living environment.
Safety Checklist for Senior Care
1. Clear Clutter:
- Remove excess furniture, knickknacks, and obstacles that could impede movement. A lot of seniors receiving caregiver support utilize an assistive device, such as a walker or a cane, and it is especially important to remove any pieces of furniture that could catch the assistive device causing a loss of balance or a fall.
- Ensure that pathways are clear to prevent trips and falls, which can exacerbate feelings of isolation or depression in senior citizens. Our caregivers provide elderly assistance services to help with decluttering and organizing spaces for safety.
2. General Safety Measures:
- Ensure emergency numbers are posted by each telephone, providing easy access in case of emergencies.
- Appliances, lamps, and cords should be clean and in good condition to prevent hazards. It’s essential that all electrical equipment bears the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) label for safety assurance.
- Overload protection should be provided by either circuit breakers or fuses to prevent electrical hazards. Additionally, medications must be stored safely according to instructions on the packaging, ensuring easy access while maintaining safety.
3. Improve Lighting:
- Install brighter bulbs in all rooms to promote a more uplifting atmosphere.
- Add night lights in bedrooms, hallways, and bathrooms to provide visibility during nighttime visits, aiding those experiencing symptoms of depression in elderly individuals who may feel anxious at night. BrightStar Care professionals can assist by assessing lighting needs to ensure everything is conducive to a safe environment. It has been shown that lack of proper lighting can contribute to depression in senior adults
4. Make Bathrooms Safer:
- Install grab bars in the shower and near the toilet.
- Ensure the bathtub or shower has a non-skid mat or strips in the standing area to prevent falls, which can affect mental health. Handrails should also be installed on the bathtub and toilet for added support.
5. Kitchen Safety:
- Keep the stove and sink areas well lit, and store hazardous household agents out of reach to ensure safety while preparing meals.
- If there is a gas stove, ensure it is equipped with pilot lights and an automatic cut-off in the event of a flame failure. Avoid wearing garments with long, loose sleeves while cooking to reduce the risk of fire hazards.
6. Bedroom Adjustments:
- Ensure the bed height is comfortable for getting in and out easily.
- Keep a lamp or flashlight within reach of the bed and use a night light to brighten the way to the bathroom at night, which can be comforting for those who may struggle with depression in elderly individuals. Our home health aides can provide bedside assistance and regular check-ins to foster a sense of security.
7. Outdoor Safety:
- Maintain a well-lit environment outside the home, as good lighting can help alleviate feelings of anxiety or depression in senior citizens.
- Ensure that steps and walkways are in good condition, and handrails are sturdy and securely fastened to prevent accidents.
8. Emergency Preparedness:
- Keep a list of emergency contacts easily accessible. Organizing a medical information kit that includes medication lists and health conditions is essential, particularly for those managing conditions related to depression in senior adults. BrightStar Care can help create comprehensive care plans that ensure safety and connect seniors with medical professionals when needed.
BrightStar Care of Omaha's Services
At BrightStar Care of Omaha, we offer a wide range of home healthcare services tailored to meet the unique needs of everyone. Our personalized senior care approach ensures that we address both physical and emotional wellness, providing not only essential nursing care for seniors but also dementia care at home and senior companionship services. This holistic approach not only helps with daily activities but also combats feelings of loneliness and depression.
We also understand that family caregivers need support, which is why we provide respite care for families, allowing them the time they need to recharge while knowing that their loved ones are receiving compassionate senior care. With our affordable home healthcare options, we strive to make it possible for every family to receive the assistance they need.
By implementing these changes and partnering with BrightStar Care of Omaha, you can create a nurturing environment that focuses on both physical safety and mental well-being. If you have any questions or need assistance in making these modifications, please feel free to reach out to us. Together, we can ensure that every senior feels secure, cared for, and connected.