Nine Common In-Home Safety Risks in Eldersburg, MD and Nearby Cities and How Our Senior Services Can Help
With in-home senior services from Visiting Angels, seniors living in Eldersburg, Westminster, Baltimore, Columbia, Ellicott City and Surrounding Areas in Maryland can get the support they need to avoid these common in-home safety hazards
If aging-in-place is the right choice for your older 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 our Visiting Angels Eldersburg senior service providers commonly encounter:
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 loved one’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 Eldersburg, our senior 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 Outdated appliances
Outdated appliances that aren’t in good working condition can cause problems.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. When providing senior services, our caregivers can make sure your loved one’s 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 caregiver from Visiting Angels Eldersburg 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. Home care providers from Visiting Angels Eldersburg 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 Eldersburg, 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 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. Our senior services include medication reminders, so you can count on Visiting Angels Eldersburg to help your loved one remember to take their medication when needed.
If your loved one lives in Carroll, Howard or Baltimore County and you would like to learn more about how Visiting Angels Eldersburg can lessen safety hazards, call us at 410-549-8002.