Top Safety Concerns for Seniors Living at Home

If you have an elderly parent or relative who still lives independently at home, you may often worry about their safety and well-being. The reality is that many everyday tasks simply become more difficult with age, and safety hazards at home become more prominent.

Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to improve the safety of your elderly loved ones so they can age comfortably in place without risking a trip to the ER.

Falls

Falls are among the top reasons for emergency room visits among elderly adults, and there are many contributing factors to be aware of. Seniors may have issues with balance, muscle weakness, and poor vision, which can all lead to falls around the home.

Create a safer environment by installing railing along hallways, in bathrooms, and in outdoor areas. Utilize non-slip strips or area rugs on slippery floors and be sure that they are firmly tacked down to avoid a tripping hazard. In the bathroom, you might consider installing a raised toilet seat as well as a shower bench to improve accessibility.

Finally, install motion sensor lighting in hallways, bedrooms, and along staircases to ensure that the area is visible and easily navigable at all hours of the day.

Additionally, if you have noticed significant changes to your loved one’s mobility, consider bringing them to their physician for a fall risk assessment. Their healthcare provider may recommend a cane, walker, or other ambulatory aids.

Remind your loved one to always use these tools to navigate the home rather than grabbing onto walls and furniture. It may take some time to adjust, so be patient.

Fire Hazards

Tasks like cooking can become more dangerous for seniors because they may have slower reaction times and reduced senses. You may need to provide assistance with meal preparation, and you should take the time to audit your loved one’s home for fire safety issues like inadequate smoke detectors, faulty or outdated appliances, and overloaded electrical outlets.

It’s also a good idea to practice fire safety drills, ensuring that your loved one has at least two safe and accessible routes out of the home in the event of a fire. You should also ensure that your loved one has a safe, reliable method of heating their home during the winter.

Relying on the stove, oven, or portable heaters to warm the home can result in a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.

Medication Management

Many seniors take numerous medications, some of which can cause significant side effects, including brain fog, confusion, drowsiness, and balance issues. It’s important to review a complete list of your loved one’s medications and daily supplements with their physician or pharmacist to avoid any potentially harmful interactions.

Your loved one may also need assistance maintaining a consistent schedule with their medications. That may mean using a timed dispenser with an alarm to remind them to take different medications at different times. These types of dispensers can also avoid accidental overdoses.

However, medication dispensers are not infallible, and you may still need to monitor your loved one to ensure that they are using their medications correctly and taking them as prescribed.

Home Security

Home security is another leading home safety concern for seniors, as they may be more easily persuaded by door-to-door salespeople or targeted as victims of home invasions.

Smart home technologies like auto-locking doors, doorbell cameras, and security systems can help you maintain peace of mind that your loved one is safe in their home and keep a log of any visitors.

These technologies may also be helpful if your loved one is dealing with memory issues and has begun wandering from the home. However, if memory care is a concern, technology alone is not enough to manage their care.

You may need a dedicated family caregiver or in-home care provider to monitor and care for your loved one to ensure their safety.

When to Consider In-Home Care

While there are many steps you can take to improve the safety and security of an elderly relative’s home, you may find that more hands-on care is needed as they get older.

In-home care is a great solution that allows your loved one to remain at home while getting the dedicated care and attention they need. From companionship to nursing care to assistance with personal hygiene and household chores, in-home care providers can offer the services elderly adults need to thrive at home and retain more comfort and independence in their later years.

New Outlook Home Care is a trusted in-home care provider serving Medford and Redmond, OR. Our compassionate caregivers can create an in-home care plan that caters to your loved one’s needs.

We lead with compassion and patience to ensure the comfort of our clients as they adjust to the presence of a caregiver in the home.

Contact us at 541-500-7430 in Medford or 541-216-7963 in Redmond to get started. You can also reach us online if email communication is preferred.