Home safety, particularly for a senior family member, is such a broad arena for you to cover as a family caregiver. Taking the time to look at some specifics can help you to hit some of the most important areas first.
Do a Medication Review Every Few Months
Medications are extremely beneficial and may solve a multitude of problems for your elderly family member. But like all chemicals, they can interact with other medications and with the hormones your senior’s body produces on its own. Your elderly family member might take a medication successfully for years and suddenly develop new or exaggerated symptoms.
Reduce Tripping Hazards as Much as Possible
So much can become a tripping hazard in your aging adult’s home. Cords, furniture, home décor items, and more can all become tripping hazards. But there are items you might not think about, too, especially if your elderly family member has to have them with her. Oxygen concentrators and tubes, walkers, and other medical supplies in the wrong spot could create a hazard.
Install Safety Devices
Safety devices help to make your senior’s home safer just by being there for her if she needs them. One example could be hand rails in various spots in her home, including grab bars around the shower and tub. Or your elderly family member might benefit from a personal alarm system that she wears. Other safety devices might include night lights or even motion-activated lighting that responds to your senior’s presence.
Encourage Assistive Tools
Assistive tools are easier for some people to use regularly than they are for others. These are items like canes or braces that make movement or other issues easier to manage. Your senior might have some negative feelings about these devices, though, which makes encouraging her to use them that much more important.
Avoid Using Throw Rugs
Throw rugs are a potential issue all on their own. These types of rugs often add a great decorative flair to your senior’s home, but they can be dangerous. It’s easy for these types of rugs to shift, especially under her feet, or to become bunched up and therefore become a hazard. Avoiding these types of rugs is just safer overall.
Keeping your senior safe at home means looking at situations that have always existed and determining whether her needs have changed. Some of the aspects of her life that worked for her in the past, may not be as effective now. Having help from senior care providers can ensure that you’re not missing something really important.
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED-ONE ARE CONSIDERING SENIOR CARE IN RALEIGH, NC, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT SENIORS HELPING SENIORS TODAY. CALL (919) 761-5346.