New challenges and changes come with aging, whether for a parent, grandparent, relative, or ourselves. While getting older can be difficult, having a positive, non-judgmental attitude toward the natural changes that happen and focusing on what we can improve the health and safety of those we love is necessary to live a fulfilling life.
Considerations for Age Safely at Home
The most important consideration to have about aging is making sure your loved ones are healthy, safe, and happy in their home. You need to make certain that their activities of daily living (ADLs) are met.
Basic ADLs are considered:
- Eating
- Mobility
- Personal Hygiene
- Dressing
- Bathing and showering
- Toilet Hygiene
With these central ideas in mind, let’s unpack how to focus on meeting seniors’ needs and improving the home environment.
Modifying and Organizing the Home
The home can be a dangerous place, no matter your age. According to the NSC, home and community deaths have increased by 76% in the last decade. To ensure safety and allow older people to enjoy their homes, we must know the most common causes of accidents.
Some of the most common hazards include:
- Falls: Falls are one of the most common hazards for seniors. Tripping hazards such as loose rugs, cluttered floors, or poorly lit areas can cause falls, resulting in serious injuries such as broken bones or head trauma.
- Fire: Older adults are at an increased risk for fire due to factors such as forgetfulness or physical limitations that may make it difficult to evacuate in an emergency. For example, seniors with dementia might forget to turn off the stovetop. Common causes of fire incurlase, electrical malfunctions, cooking mistakes, and smoking are the most common causes of house fires.
- Poisoning: Seniors may be at risk of accidental poisoning due to medication errors, misusing cleaning chemicals, or consuming expired food or drinks.
- Carbon monoxide: Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly if inhaled. Seniors are particularly vulnerable to this hazard because they may not realize they are experiencing symptoms such as dizziness or confusion.
- Electrical hazards: Seniors may be at risk of electrical hazards due to outdated or faulty electrical wiring, improperly used electrical appliances, or misusing heating pads or electric blankets.
Fortunately, many of these hazards are preventable. To help, check out this home preparedness checklist for senior safety. Many of these solutions require a helping hand, knowledge of what to look for, and essential tools for installation.
Below are some ways to help seniors maintain their home environment:
- Remove hazards: Ensure the senior’s living environment is free from tripping hazards such as loose carpets, rugs, or electrical cords. Keep the home well-lit and ensure there are no slippery floors. If in doubt, have an expert check that electrical appliances and wiring are up-to-date and functioning correctly.
- Install safety devices: Install smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and home security systems with monitoring to detect fires or intruders. For seniors with dementia, getting a devices to turn of the stovetop can be beneficial, too.
- Home modifications: Consider modifying the home to make it more accessible for seniors. This can include adding grab bars in the bathroom, installing a walk-in shower, and removing thresholds for easier mobility.
While the idea of home improvements can be daunting, there are services that can help. For example, Westchester Family Care offers a free in-home safety assessment when you start home care services. We can help families contact professionals and contractors while providing home care services that assist with ADLs.
Continuously Maintaining Health and Safety
Maintaining the home environment is essential, as is maintaining ADLs.
Here are some tips to help seniors stay healthy:
- Medication management: Ensure that seniors are taking their medications as prescribed, provide reminders, and monitor any side effects.
- Home care: Consider hiring a home care provider to assist with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and meal preparation.
- Stay connected: Regularly communicate with the seniors and check in with them frequently. Consider using technology such as video calls to stay connected with them even if you cannot visit in person.
- Transportation: Having a secure and reliable way to routinely see the doctor and do engaging activities outside the home is critical. If no consistent transportation options are available, home care can offer alternatives.
Overall, the key is to ensure that the senior’s living environment is safe and comfortable and that they have the support they need to stay healthy and independent. Home care providers like Westchester offer in-home care services that are customizable to help in multiple ways, from washing, folding, and laundry to picking up groceries.
Contact us today to learn more about improving home safety.