Nine Common Home Safety Hazards for Seniors in Santa Cruz and Monterey County and How Our In-Home Care Providers Can Help

Learn how in-home care providers from Visiting Angels Central Coast can help seniors in Scotts Valley, Santa Cruz and Marina, CA stay safe and avoid safety hazards that are common in people’s homes

If your senior loved one wishes to age in place, ensuring their home is free of common household safety risks is a critical component. Unfortunately, some in-home safety hazards 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 risks our in-home care providers at Visiting Angels Central Coast commonly encounter in homes of seniors:

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 loved one’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. Our in-home care providers can help by shopping for and preparing nutritious meals, managing food inventory and ensuring your senior 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 Outdated appliances

Outdated appliances that aren’t in good working condition can cause problems.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 can be fire hazards. Your loved one’s in-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. An in-home care provider from Visiting Angels Central Coast 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. Our in-home care providers 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. At Visiting Angels Central Coast, our caregivers are trained to look for household risks and assist seniors with bathing, grooming, getting dressed and more.

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. A trained Visiting Angels Central Coast caregiver 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. Please bring all your pill bottles to medical appointments to ensure you’re taking them correctly. In addition, our caregivers can remind your loved one to take their medication when needed and watch out if they experience any side effects.

If you’re in Monterey or Santa Cruz Counties and want to learn more about how Visiting Angels Central Coast can help your loved one avoid safety risks, call us at 831-430-0616 to schedule a FREE consultation.