National Safety Month: Tips for Eliminating At-Home Hazards for Seniors
June marks National Safety Month—a crucial time to prioritize the safety of your senior loved ones by assessing and addressing hidden risks in their home. Ensuring a safe living environment is key to maintaining their health, well-being and independence.
Why Are Seniors More Likely to Sustain Injuries at Home?
Physical and mental abilities change with age, including:
- Vision
- Hearing
- Strength
- Balance
- Cognition
- Memory recall
Activities of daily living that were once simple may be more difficult for your senior. They may overestimate their abilities and hurt themselves.
According to the CDC, 14 million older adults fall every year. About 37% of those falls resulted in an injury that required medical treatment or restricted activity.
Recovery also alters with age. A minor cut or burn could take longer to heal and pose an increased threat of infection. A hip fracture from a fall could have long-term implications for your loved one’s mobility.
Home Safety Tips by Room
Living Room or Den
Clutter: Remove items that could pose a fall risk, such as pillows, blankets, clothing, shoes and other personal items. Clear coffee tables and entertainment consoles so your loved one doesn’t knock objects over.
Furniture: Move armchairs and couches against walls to prevent your loved one from bumping into furniture and getting bruised or falling. Opt for smaller pieces of furniture to open up the living space.
Rugs: Secure rugs with non-slip backing. Get rid of worn rugs with holes or frays so your loved one’s feet don’t get tangled or stuck.
Electrical cords: Keep electrical cords out of walkways to limit tripping hazards. Check them for fraying as well to avoid electrical fires.
Kitchen
Appliances: Move appliances away from the sink and other water sources. Label the on/off switch for easy use.
Cutlery: If your loved one struggles with fine motor skills, consider getting them a dicing or chopping tool to simplify cutting foods. Keep carving knives covered or stored in a drawer.
Lighting: Install bright lighting in the kitchen so your loved one can read labels and prepare and cook food safely.
Floor mats: Lay mats in front of the sink and refrigerator to reduce the likelihood of slipping if there’s a spill.
Meal prep: Label and date food in the fridge so your loved one knows when to throw it away. That helps lower their risk of food poisoning.
Hallways and Entryways
Lighting: Well-lit hallways and entryways allow your loved one to navigate their home safely. Swap soft lighting with brighter bulbs, especially if your parent has vision impairments.
Stairs: Steep stairs pose a particular fall risk if your senior lives in a multi-story house. Make sure there are sturdy railings and non-skid mats to create traction. Consider placing ramps over porch steps and in rooms with different elevations to ease movement.
Handrails: Grab bars will help your loved one move down hallways safely, especially if they don’t use a walker or cane. They also provide something to grab if your loved one needs to pull themselves up.
Bathroom
Bathtub and shower: Getting in and out of the shower or tub can be tricky if your loved one has mobility issues. A shower seat and grab bars can help your senior move around. Installing a walk-in tub or shower is another option.
Medication: Improper medication management could lead to illness or hospitalization. Write reminders and use a pill organizer to remind your loved one to take their medication. Keep the bathroom well-lit for reading dosage and directions.
Toilet: Raised toilet seats ease the transition from seated to standing. Some also have armrests that allow your loved one even more leverage.
Non-slip flooring: Place rubber mats in the shower or tub and bath mats on the floor to keep your senior steady.
Comprehensive In-Home Healthcare from Ohioans
Be proactive about your loved one’s safety. Our dedicated team provides in-home assessments to help you and your loved one identify and mitigate potential safety issues. Call 855.600.0806 to learn about our services and schedule a consultation.
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Ohioans Home Healthcare – Perrysburg, OH
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Ohioans Home Healthcare – Perrysburg, OH
