Safety and Eldercare

Article submitted by Pat Casuccio and Kelly Widmaier at Home Instead Senior Care.
For more information, visit their website: www.homeinstead.com.

Home is where the heart is, where memories are made. We feel protected, secure, and comfortable at home. Our goal at Home Instead Senior Care is to maintain a sense of safety and security for seniors. Home Instead CAREGivers are bonded, insured, and trained in eldercare topics such as safety.

The most important thing to remember as a primary caregiver is to keep seniors' homes a safe environment. It may sound simple enough, but we learn with age that many potential dangers exist in the home. Injuries can be prevented by identifying potential hazards and correcting the problem before it starts.

Aging brings about many physiological changes, which make the elderly susceptible to falls. Diminished muscle strength and coordination, poor vision and hearing, osteoporosis, and using a variety of medications are just a few examples of what the aging process entails. When you combine these with environmental factors, you begin to realize what a potential danger the home can become.

The most common injury among the elderly are falls. In fact, approximately 15,000 Americans die each year as a direct result of falls. A shocking statistic, and yet, it is easily prevented by taking a few precautions. Listed below are some danger zones for seniors, followed by a few suggestions to help primary caregivers ensure safety.

Stairs. Secure all rugs and consider installing treads and rails, if not already installed. When assisting a senior upstairs, walk behind them; when assisting a senior downstairs, walk in front of them. This way, you will be able to catch them, should they lose their footing.

Slippery Floors. Injuries most commonly occurring in bathrooms can be prevented by installing grab bars and non-skid mats in the shower. Always offer your arm for stabilization and keep your hands free, in order to quickly hold them until they regain their balance.

Loose Rugs. It is best to remove loose wires, cords and throw rugs. If removing a throw rug is not an option, be sure to secure the edges. Some elderly take small steps and often shuffle their feet, which is why Home Instead Senior Care recommends removing loose rugs altogether.

Inappropriate Footwear. Seniors should wear sturdy, rubber-soled shoes. We suggest that our caregivers wear non-slip shoes. They may have open toes, but the heel must be supported.
Uneven Pavement. When walking with seniors, you should be their eyes and ears. Remind them to step cautiously and assist them in overcoming obstacles in your path.

Inadequate Lighting. Poor lighting creates unnecessary shadows and often causes visual distortions. A small lamp in the right place can make all the difference.

Obstructions in a Traffic Path. A place for everything and everything in its place, right? There is no need to store objects on the stairs or a busy walkway. It's best to keep the house clear of excess clutter.

At Home Instead Senior Care, a member of our staff completes a home safety checklist at the start of services. We have organized the list into a few categories, which you may want to consider using in your own home.

• Entrance – Outside entry well-lighted? Visitors visible prior to entry? Lock on door in working order?
• Living Areas – Uncluttered walkway? Rugs safe for movement? Electric cords safely attached?
• Kitchen – Appliances in working order? Faucets working? Dishes, pots, and cutlery stored for cleanliness and safety?
• Bedroom – Access to bed free of clutter? Lighting accessible from bed? Flashlight and emergency items within reach?
• Bathroom – Transfer space to toilet and shower? Chair for shower secured to floor? Fixtures in working condition? Floors safe if wet?
• Stairways – Handrail secure? Stairs free of clutter? Lighting sufficient?
• General – Working smoke detectors properly placed? House free of bugs and mice? Emergency numbers posted and visible by phone? Medicines properly stored and accessible? Keys and locks easy to access? Doorbell working and able to be heard?