The risk of accidents and injuries in the home typically rises with age. A slip-and-fall accident can cause a life-altering hip fracture in a senior that can lead to other serious health conditions later on. Here are some tips for increasing safety in your aging loved one’s home to promote quality of life while aging in place.
Take Floor Safety Measures
The risk of falls typically rises as people age due to issues such as mobility problems, visual deficits, and medication side effects. To reduce the risk of falls, make sure the floors are clean and dry and all pathways are clear of obstructions. Removing throw rugs from the floor can reduce the risk of slipping, and removing the floor riser strips that separate rooms can keep the floor more level. Making sure your loved one wears properly fitting nonslip shoes and that his or her ambulation devices, such as walkers or canes, are nearby at all times can also lower the risk of falls.
A professional home caregiver can help your loved one age in place safely. If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a trusted provider of Annapolis in-home care . Our caregivers provide transportation to and from medical appointments and social events, nutritious meal preparation, assistance with daily exercise, and help with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping.
Monitor Medications
Both prescription and non-prescription medications can cause side effects that may affect aging adults more than younger people. These side effects can increase the risk of falls and include dizziness, blurred vision, fatigue, and weakness. If your loved one experiences side effects from medications, call his or her primary care doctor. The medication dosage can be lowered, or the physician can discontinue the offending drug and prescribe a different one that may be less likely to produce adverse reactions.
There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to manage if their families opt for professional elderly home care. Annapolis families can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep their loved ones safe and comfortable while aging in place.
Install Grab Bars or a Walk-In Tub
Bathroom accidents are common for elderly individuals because of slippery tile floors that become even more slick when wet. Installing grab bars in the shower and near the toilet can provide stability after showering or bathing and when getting on and off the toilet.
If your loved one has difficulty stepping in and out of the bathtub, consider having a walk-in tub installed to reduce the risk of falling. Walk-in tubs not only enhance safety in the home, but they also can restore your loved one’s independence. A walk-in tub can often be installed in as little as one day, and your loved one can choose from many different styles and colors to match the bathroom décor.
Consider a Stair Lift
Walking up and down the stairs can pose a fall danger for seniors with mobility problems. They may be unable to pick up their feet high enough to clear a stair and, as a result, trip while going up the stairs. Going down the stairs can be even more dangerous if a senior loses his or her balance or slips.
A stair lift can prevent falls when navigating the stairs, and these devices also come equipped with safety features such as obstruction sensors, safety belts, and emergency stop buttons. The stair lift technician will show your loved one how to safely use the device so he or she feels comfortable and at ease when going up and down the stairs.
Some seniors need occasional assistance at home, and oftentimes the family members who take care of them need time away to run errands, take a nap, go to work, or take a vacation. Annapolis respite care experts from Assisting Hands Home Care are available on an as-needed basis, giving your family peace of mind that your loved one will remain safe and comfortable while you relax or focus on other important responsibilities. Contact one of our experienced Care Managers today at (667) 226-9360 to learn more about our reliable in-home care services.
