The older your senior loved one becomes, the more likely he or she is to trip, fall, and sustain injuries. The older seniors get, the more difficult it is for injuries to heal, which can lead to depression and other emotional issues. Limited mobility, poor eyesight, and difficulty with balance and equilibrium can all contribute to trips and falls, but so can safety hazards both inside and outside the home. Here are a few safety hazards you should consider minimizing.
1. Clutter
Clutter is one of the top reasons seniors trip and fall in their homes. If your loved one has piles of clutter lying around, help him or her sort through it all. Find a place for the items, or encourage your loved one to donate or sell what he or she no longer needs.
Seniors, especially those with limited mobility, may need assistance with decluttering their homes and managing daily tasks. The elder care services Oakville, ON, seniors need can vary. Some need assistance a few hours a day, while others require more extensive around-the-clock assistance. At Home Care Assistance, we tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual care needs, and the plans can be adjusted at any time.
2. Poor Lighting
Poor lighting in the house or at a public facility can cause accidents. If the area is too dark, your loved one could trip over objects, and if it’s too bright the glare may prevent your loved one from seeing his or her surroundings. Make sure your loved one has curtains and shades on windows that may cause glare. Consider adding lamps and wall lighting to rooms that are too dark. Outside of the home, help your loved one walk through areas that aren’t well-lit.
3. Toilets
Getting up from the toilet can be a safety hazard both at home and in public. Luckily, most public places offer taller toilets in handicapped stalls. Consider installing a taller seat in your loved one’s bathroom and a handrail near the toilet so he or she can get up from the toilet seat easily.
4. Stairs
If your loved faces difficulty walking up the stairs, it may be time for him or her to move to a one-story house. If relocating is out of the question, make sure your loved one has a bedroom and bathroom downstairs so he or she will not have to go upstairs daily. Installing a stairlift is another safety option to consider.
5. Shoes
The types of shoes and other footwear your loved one wears could have an impact on his or her balance. Make sure your loved one wears comfortable shoes that won’t slip and slide when they get wet or hit slick surfaces. If your loved one is fashion-conscious, there are many stylish brands on the market he or she can choose from.
6. Medications
When taking multiple medications for different health conditions, seniors may be at risk of mixing up the prescriptions. Make sure your loved one always knows which medication to take and when to take it. Pill boxes are helpful for managing medications. If a medication makes your loved one dizzy, contact his or her doctor to see if an alternative is available.
From taking medications on time to managing daily activities, there are a variety of tasks seniors may need help with. Whether your elderly loved one needs part-time assistance with basic household chores or you need a break from your caregiving duties, the Oakville respite care experts at Home Care Assistance are here to help. All of our respite care services are backed with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts.
7. Cords
A cord running across the middle of a walkway could cause a senior to trip and fall. Check all the cords in your loved one’s house, and make sure none of them are lying loose. If necessary, rearrange the lamps and electronics in each room to ensure cords are out of the way.
8. Chairs
Whether your loved one is sitting in the kitchen or at a restaurant, chairs could be a safety hazard. Make sure your loved one has a chair with armrests he or she can use to sit and stand. When out and about, consider providing your loved one with a walker or wheelchair to further accommodate his or her comfort and safety.
Seniors can reduce their risk of falls and injuries and enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of professional in-home care. Get in touch with Home Care Assistance to find out how an Oakville, Ontario, caregiver can help your aging loved one live a longer, healthier, and happier life. Our caregivers are available 24/7, all of our senior care services come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts. Call us at (905) 337-1200 to schedule a free in-home consultation.