5 Common Home Safety Hazards for Seniors
Seniors should be comfortable and safe in their own homes. Whether you plan to age in place or have an elderly parent moving in with you, it's best to prepare your home by eliminating some of the most common hazards to sound home care. The following guide explores several.
What Conditions Threaten Senior Home Care Safety?
1. Cluttered Floors
Items on the floors become tripping hazards. This includes pets' or childrens' toys left out, loose cords, and rugs that aren't properly secured to the floor. Keep the floor clear of clutter by putting baskets around the house for toys, if needed. Secure cords by taping them to the floor or running them around the perimeter of the room. Rugs can be secured by placing furniture around the edges or anti-slip guards underneath them.
2. Stairs
As seniors' mobility and balance decline, navigating stairs becomes more dangerous, so it's best to eliminate the need to navigate stairs as much as possible. It's even better if seniors can have their living quarters on the main floor of the house. If some stairs cannot be avoided, installing ramps or chair lifts is ideal. Placing slip-proof tread on the stairs and installing secure railings to hold on to maximize safety for seniors who can walk up and down the steps.
3. Hot Appliances
Cooking can be dangerous for seniors, especially if they have conditions like Parkinson's or dementia that affect their ability to cook safely. They may cut themselves accidentally, burn themselves with the oven, or forget that they have something on the stove. Arranging for someone to help with meal preparation prevents this.
4. Forgetting Medication
Remembering a medication schedule becomes more difficult as people get older, especially if they have a condition that affects their memory. Those who can still care for themselves can print out a medication schedule and use a dispenser to track doses. If a loved one is in the later stages of dementia, medication management should be left to a caregiver or nurse.
5. Slippery Bathrooms
Falls are more than twice as likely to occur in the bathroom than in other living spaces due to the many hazards this space has. If possible, have seniors use a bathroom with a zero-threshold shower, so they don't need to step up high and balance as they get in and out. Installing grab bars next to the toilet and in the shower assists with balance. A toilet with a higher seat eliminates having to bend down so far, while non-slip floor mats make wet, slippery floors a bit easier to navigate.
Some support from an experienced home care professional can help you keep your loved one safe and comfortable. Harmony In-Home Healthcare Inc. offers complete senior living assistance services in St. Louis, MO. They provide meal preparation, companionship, laundry, shopping, and housekeeping. Visit the website for more information, or call (314) 752-4444 to schedule a consultation.
