Nine Common In-Home Safety Risks and How Our Home Care Services Help Seniors in Naples, FL and Nearby Areas Stay Safe

When providing home care services, our caregivers help seniors in Naples, Marco Island, and surrounding cities in Collier County, FL avoid these nine common household hazards

If aging-in-place is the right choice for your older loved one, ensuring their home is free of common household safety risks is absolutely critical. 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 often found in seniors’ homes and how home care services from Visiting Angels Naples can help your loved one stay safe:

1. Rugs that Slip and Slide

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 loved one uses a walker or cane.

2. Unhealthy 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. When providing home care services, our caregivers can help by shopping for and preparing nutritious meals, managing food inventory and ensuring your senior eats regular meals.

3. Faulty 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Outdated appliances that aren’t in good working condition can cause problems.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 caregiver can make sure appliances are functioning correctly and let you know of problems.

4. Pets Underfoot

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. A caregiver from Visiting Angels Naples 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 Naples, our caregivers can lessen clutter and help your loved one avoid a serious household accident.

6. Lack of Bathroom Safety Gear

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 and Tubing

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. In addition, our home care services include medication reminders, so your loved one can receive a helpful reminder from a dedicated caregiver when it’s time to take their medicine.

To learn how our home care services can help your loved one stay safe in their own home, contact our Naples, FL office at 239-561-7600.