Home safety is important for everyone, but seniors are especially vulnerable to household risks. A homecare services company can help make a senior’s home safe. Home safety factors for seniors include:
Medical alert system: One of the first things a homecare services company will recommend is that a senior use a medical alert service. From a fall to a fire to a medical emergency, a senior can request immediate help simply by pushing a button to alert the medical service. It provides peace of mind and saves lives.
Bathroom: Homecare services in the bathroom include installing grab-bars in bathtubs, showers, and next to the toilet to avoid falls. Non-skid mats on those slippery surfaces will also help prevent falls.
Living room: A homecare services company can rearrange furniture and remove clutter to clear walkways, and make sure there is adequate lighting to prevent tripping accidents.
Bedroom: A senior should keep an easy-to-reach lamp and a cordless phone close to the bed for emergencies. Another homecare services tip for the bedroom is to remember to turn off heating pads before going to sleep because they can cause burns even on low settings.
Kitchen: Seniors should keep towels and curtains away from the stove, and should wear short sleeves when cooking to prevent fires. A homecare services company also makes sure heavier objects such as pots and pans are stored at waist level, and that there is no spoiled food in the refrigerator.
Cords: Telephone, lamp, and extension cords stretched across walkways are accidents waiting to happen. A homecare services company will arrange cords safely out of the way, and will also ensure that extension cords are not overloaded to avoid a fire.
Smoke detectors: Speaking of fires, this one may go without saying, but there should be a smoke detector installed (and regularly checked by the homecare services company) on every floor of the home.
Rugs and Carpet: Make sure all rugs have a rubber, slip-resistant backing. Inspect the carpet, especially near stairways, because loose or worn carpeting is a common cause of falls.
Stairways: Speaking of stairways, keep them clear of all clutter, install bright lighting, and make sure handrails are stable.
Medications: Homecare services include making sure medications are properly labeled and portioned so the senior always takes the correct dose.
Telephone numbers: Seniors should keep a large-print copy of emergency phone numbers next to every phone in the home.
These homecare services and safety tips can protect your loved ones from harm in every area of their homes. From walkway hazards to poor lighting to easy-to-fall areas and beyond, a homecare services company specializes in “elderly-proofing” a home for maximum safety and protection.
Visit www.CambrianHomecare.com or call 562.498.1800 to learn more about homecare services.
