Tips For Maintaining a Safe Home For Elders

Many elderly citizens enjoy living at home and having some sort of independence but unfortunately, several common accidents can put your loved one’s life in danger including falls, burns, and accidental poisonings. As your loved one’s primary caregiver, it is your responsibility to ensure the home is maintained and made safely accessible for their needs, as well as their level of independence. In today’s post from Inland Respite, we will cover some basic home safety tips to reduce the risk of your loved one getting injured. Keep reading to learn more and contact our team for respite care services to assist you in your loved one’s care!

Keep Emergency Numbers Handy

When caring for aging elders or senior citizens in your family, certain precautions must be taken to ensure their safety. One of the most important tips in maintaining a safe home is to have a list of emergency numbers written large and clear. In the case that an emergency was to happen, you want the list to be easily accessible for quick reference. A bulletin board or the fridge is a great location option! Some telephone numbers to consider adding to this list are:

• Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222

• A list of caregivers, family members, or friends to call in case of emergency

• Healthcare provider’s office

These numbers are especially helpful if your family takes advantage of in-home respite care services, so all the caregivers are on the same page.

Prevent Falls

Elderly individuals are at a higher risk of falling due to challenges with mobility and balance. Along with physical therapy programs to increase mobility and strength, there are simple things caregivers and family members can do around the home to decrease the risk of falls including:

• Have a cordless phone or cellphone so your loved one isn’t rushing to answer the phone.

• Keep the floors picked up from newspapers, blankets, shoes, and other fall-hazard items.

• Space out furniture to create more walkways.

• Wear non-slip shoes and socks.

• Use a cane or walker instead of hanging on to walls.

Safety-Proof Your Home

As people age, certain things may become dangerous around the home. It is important to do a thorough walk-through and perform the following safety precautions:

• Tape all area rugs to the floor so they don’t curl up.

• Reduce the number of electrical cords plugged into one extension cord.

• Ensure all carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are working properly.

• Make sure space heaters are at least three feet away from walls, bedding, etc.

• Change the thermostat setting on the water heater to no more than 125 degrees to prevent scalding.

• Install grab bars in the shower and around the toilet.

• Place rubber non-slip mats in tubs and showers.

• Keep all medications in their original containers.

• Store cleaning products in a safe area, with easy-to-read labels to prevent mixing.

Protect Against Abuse

The National Council On Aging estimates one in 10 Americans that are 60 years of age or older have experienced some form of abuse. Whether physical, mental, or emotional, it is important to recognize the signs of abuse, while also taking extra precautions including:

• Keeping doors and windows locked.

• Educate your loved one on the importance of never sharing important information like social security numbers, credit card numbers, or addresses over the phone.

• Do not invite strangers into your home.

• Only use qualified care professionals that have experienced background checks, certain certifications (like CPR), and have a positive reference working as a caregiver.

At Inland Respite, we understand how important it is to keep your loved one safe. As we age, there are many more challenges that arise including loneliness, memory issues, or other life-altering conditions. As your loved one’s primary caregiver, it can be rewarding to provide help to your elders, but it can also be emotionally and physically draining. You can’t take care of your loved one if you are unable to take care of yourself. Inland Respite offers the highest quality of respite care services providing family members with the extra support they need. Whether your loved one needs assistance bathing or needs a friendly face to talk to, our respite caregivers have the qualifications and necessary certifications to provide safe, loving care in your absence. Interested in learning more about our respite care services? Contact us to get started today!