How Elder Care Services from Visiting Angels Annapolis Helps Seniors Avoid These Nine Common In-Home Safety Risks
Is your senior loved one’s home environment safe? Learn about the nine most common safety hazards and how our elder care services help seniors in Annapolis, Glen Burnie, Millersville, Pasadena, Crownsville, Arnold, Severna Park and surrounding areas in Anne Arundel County stay safe.
If aging-in-place is the right choice for your elderly loved one, ensuring their home is free of common household safety hazards is a critical component. Unfortunately, some in-home safety risks are overlooked by family caregivers. According to HealthinAging.org, “Falls, burns, and poisonings are among the most common accidents involving older people.”
Here are nine safety hazards that are common in seniors’ homes and how elder care services from Visiting Angels Annapolis help seniors avoid these hazards:
1. Lack of non-slip pads under carpets and rugs
Anti-slip rug pads and anti-skid tape can prevent carpets and rugs from sliding out from under your senior’s feet and causing a serious fall. Also, non-slip backing may prevent carpets and rugs from bunching up or becoming loose and causing a tripping hazard, which is important if your senior uses a walker or cane.
2. Poor diet
Adequate nutrition is an integral part of your senior’s health and wellness. Eating unhealthy food, not eating enough and an inability to safely prepare healthy meals are some common problems that prevent good nutrition. At Visiting Angels Annapolis, our elder care services include shopping for and preparing nutritious meals, managing food inventory and ensuring your senior loved one eats regular meals.
3. Outdated appliances
Outdated appliances that aren’t in good working condition can cause problems. A malfunctioning furnace could lead to an overly warm or chilly house. A faulty stove or oven can result in undercooked or burnt food. Old appliances could also be a fire hazard. Your loved one’s home care provider can make sure appliances are functioning correctly and let you know of problems.
4. Pets
Although cats and dogs can provide love and companionship for older adults, they can be a hazard when underfoot. All pets should be vaccinated and house-trained. Caregivers from Visiting Angels Annapolis can make sure they are fed and cared for properly.
5. Clutter
Clutter in high-traffic areas can present a significant fall risk for older adults. It’s essential to clear all walking paths. Kitchen countertops and other surfaces should also be free of clutter such as dishes, pots and pans, and mail. At Visiting Angels Annapolis, our elder care services include assistance with light housekeeping tasks, which can lessen clutter and help your loved one avoid a serious household accident.
6. Lack of Bathroom Safety Equipment
A bathroom designed for senior safety is essential. Lack of grab bars, elevated toilet seats, shower seating, and non-slip bathmats can increase your loved one’s fall risk. Our caregivers are trained to look for household risks and provide bathroom safety tips.
7. Cords
Long appliance cords and oxygen or IV tubing can pose tripping hazards for older adults. Using power strips or extension cords can cause an electrical overload increasing the chances of a power outage or fire. Our in-home caregivers can observe and address these hazards before they cause serious harm.
8. Unsafe Home Heating
Using your stove, oven or grill to heat your home can emit carbon monoxide, a deadly gas that you cannot see or smell. Install carbon monoxide detectors near all bedrooms; remember to test and replace the battery twice a year.
9. Medications
Keep pills in their original bottles so you don’t confuse medications. Ask your pharmacist for large-print labels so they’re easier to read, and always take medication in a well-lit room. Use a weekly or monthly pill organizer if needed. Bring all your pill bottles with you to medical appointments to ensure you’re taking them correctly. If your loved one needs help remembering when to take their medication, our home care providers can provide useful reminders and make sure your loved one doesn’t experience side effects.
If you would like to learn more about how elder care services from Visiting Angels Annapolis can lessen safety risks for your loved one, call our Millersville, MD office at 410-505-5141.