As your older loved one ages, common household items may suddenly become dangerous hazards that could lead to major injuries and other problems. When a senior’s home becomes a safety hazard, it reduces his or her ability to live as independently as possible. Luckily, you may help. Take a look at these common hazards and what you may do to ensure your loved one is safe at home.
Clutter
One of the most common reasons seniors fall in their homes is because they have too much clutter. That pile of clothes in the pathway between the bedroom and bathroom is hard to see in the dark. And if your loved one uses a cane, walker, or other devices to help with mobility, he or she could easily get caught up in the clutter.
Piles of things build up for a variety of reasons. It may be that your loved one just doesn’t have the strength or energy to sort through and clean it up. The best thing you could do is help your parent go through the clutter and put it away or get rid of it. Clear out as much as possible to create wide walkways throughout the home that are free of obstacles.
Taking precautions could increase safety for seniors both inside and outside the home. There are a variety of age-related health conditions that may make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face may be easier to manage if their families opt for professional home care. Cincinnati families may rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep their loved ones safe and comfortable while aging in place.
Chairs & Toilets
As seniors age, going from a sitting to a standing position may be difficult. For this reason, many seniors have difficulty getting up out of chairs and off toilets. In the bathroom, consider installing a taller toilet or a handrail on the wall next to the toilet. As for the other chairs in the house, make accommodations. Look for chairs that have arms on them so your loved one has something to hold on to when getting up. You might also consider purchasing a lift chair.
If your loved one needs help around the home to prevent injuries, consider hiring a caregiver. Many older adults are choosing to age in place, and some need a helping hand to continue living at home safely and comfortably. Luckily, there is professional at-home care seniors are able to trust and rely on.
Bad Lighting
Your loved one’s eyesight probably isn’t what it used to be, and lighting that’s too bright or too dark may affect his or her ability to function throughout the day. Help by replacing bulbs that have burned out or adding lamps and light fixtures to rooms that are naturally dark. In rooms with too much light or glare, add some shades or curtains.
Stairs
Navigating stairs as an older adult may be difficult, especially for those with mobility issues. One wrong move could cause a fall that leads to serious consequences. If your loved one has a bedroom and bathroom downstairs, it may be time for him or her to start sleeping on that level. You could also turn an extra room, such as a dining room, office, or living room, into a bedroom if there isn’t one on the main level of the house. As for getting outside, if your loved one must navigate steps to get in and out of the house, consider installing a ramp.
Tubs & Showers
Bathtubs and showers are other places where seniors often fall and get hurt. Not only are they slippery, but seniors may need to step up to get into and out of them. Luckily, there are many things you could do to help your loved one. Install rails for your parent to hold on to, or consider replacing the regular bathtub or shower with one that doesn’t require stepping up. Many companies make these specifically for people who are elderly or disabled. Consider adding some sort of nonslip surface to the tub or purchasing a shower chair. Also, if possible, make sure someone is nearby anytime your loved one is bathing.
If your aging loved one needs occasional help with bathing, grooming, cooking, or other basic household tasks, or if you need time to attend to important personal matters, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of senior home care. Cincinnati seniors are able to maintain their independence while living at home with the help of our reliable caregivers. Trust your loved one’s care to the professionals at Assisting Hands Home Care. Reach out to one of our compassionate Care Managers today at 513-993-5025.
