Safety Proofing for Home Caregiving

Elderly people are more inclined to trip and fall, or otherwise injure themselves at home. Unfortunately, these injuries are harder to recover from at an older age. Luckily, there are many simple precautions that can greatly reduce the risk of injury.

There are some steps that can be taken in any living area of the home. * All rugs and loose carpets should be either tacked or taped to the ground. This will prevent seniors from tripping on turned-up corners or scrunched rugs. * Electric cords should be secured to the wall or placed under rugs so no one trips on them. * Sharp corners on tables or countertops should be covered to avoid serious injury in the event of a fall. * Staircases should have railings on both sides that are strong enough to support a person's full body weight. Ideally these railings should extend beyond the top and bottom steps.

Bathrooms need some specific work in order to be as safe as possible. * Place no-slip rugs near the toilet, sink, and shower to help prevent falls. * A raised toilet seat can help seniors sit down and get off the toilet seat with ease. Adding bars on both sides of the toilet is also beneficial. * Installing a grab bar in the shower can provide valuable stability. A shower seat is also useful, especially if long showers are enjoyed. * Shower doors that are made of glass should be labeled with bright tape or decals. This will prevent anyone from stepping through the door because it wasn't seen. * Label the hot water faucet or paint it red to avoid scalding.

The kitchen can be very dangerous if the proper precautions aren't taken. * All appliances must be in good working order. If they aren't, it is time to buy new ones or hire a repairman. * Make sure there is adequate lighting, especially around the cutting board. * Be sure that the smoke detector has fresh batteries. If it is particularly old, you may want to purchase a new one. * Place all appliances at waist height so seniors do not have to struggle to reach something that is placed particularly high or low.

Safety proofing the home is one of the most thoughtful things you can do for en elderly friend or family member; it is also essential. Grab a friend and you'll be surprised by how much you can accomplish in an afternoon or two.

Want to find out more about long distance caregiving, then visit Susan R. Love's site on how to choose the best independent living products and services for your caregiving needs.

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