Safety tips for the elderly

When our beloved ones grow old, our concern for their safety increases. Families and caregivers tend to take extra caution to ensure their home is free from any hazards or dangers. These measures help prevent fire, burns, trips and falls, while at the same time ensuring the independence of your loved one.

If you’re caring for a senior, here are 9 things you need to do to stay safe.

1. Install additional lighting- Ensure there is enough lighting in the house and outside on the walkways, entrances, and stairways. Two-way switches, like at both ends of the stairs, are great around the house. Also, plug Nightlights in the hallways, kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom.
2. Install handrails on both sides of walkways and stairs- If you’re carrying an item when using the stairs, hold using one hand and clutch the handrail with the other. You can also install grab handles in the bathroom to prevent falls.
3. Hire a homemaking caregiver for demanding tasks such as meal preparation, dishwashing, laundry, shopping and errands, cleaning as well as transportation to different places.
4. Install a raised toilet seat to reduce the distance between standing and sitting.
5. Ensure the walker is next to the bed every night- This is crucial, particularly for those with middle-stage dementia. They’ll remember to use the walker each time they want to go to the bathroom.
6. Buy handheld/handicap showerhead- They’re easy to control and allows the elderly to reach all those hard-to-reach areas without the risk of falling and slipping.
7. Install additional ramps around doorsteps- It’s unlikely that every part of your home is on the same level. Fitting ramps eliminates the risk of trip and fall on the doorstep and make it easier for mobility device users to move through the door.
8. Rearrange furniture and get rid of items that fill up space- Remove unnecessary items from hallways, pathways and stairs. Also, install tidy boxes to make your home organized, clutter-free and clean. A spacious and organized room makes movement around the house much easier for your senior.
9. Place frequently used items in accessible positions- Keep close household items that are used daily, such as clothing, cans, food boxes, and dishes. Doing this could protect an elderly from falling off when getting on top of a table or stool to pick an item.

Adopting preventive measures at home is vital for seniors aging in place. At One Call Home Handyman, we offer all safety services, general home renovations and repairs to enable your loved ones to live safely and happily. Call us today for a home safety inspection.