Danger Zones in The Home 6 Tips To Help Seniors Live Safer

As the number of seniors seeking to live independently continues to grow, it becomes increasingly important to address and minimize the health and safety risks found in the home. As a provider of in-home care services, 5 Star Home Care wants to share these 6 tips to help you (or a senior you know) live a safer and healthier life at home.

1. Keep Emergency Numbers Close

Emergencies most often strike without warning, so it’s essential for seniors to be able to get help quickly. Keep emergency phone numbers handy (such as by posting them on the wall or by jotting them down on a pad beside the phone. Keep a cell phone handy to call 9-1-1 just in case you can’t get to a landline. Also store or write down the phone numbers of family contacts and any physicians you see regularly—and make a written list of any meds you take in case first responders need that information.

2. Reduce Fall Risks

Falls in the home account for a substantial portion of hospitalizations among independent elders. To reduce your risk, keep high traffic areas clear of clutter or other obstructions, wear footwear with high-grip soles, use non-skid floor mats to boost traction on kitchen or bathroom floors that may become wet. If you or a loved one is already prone to falls, consult with a physician to determine if any other factors (such as middle-ear fluid or sudden drops in blood pressure) could cause instability. Underlying causes of dizziness or instability can often be treated medically. Also, check out various devices available to assist in walking and standing.

3. Address Fire Risk

The risk of a house fire is real for anyone who lives independently, but can be especially dire for seniors, who often cannot evacuate their homes quickly in an emergency. Ensuring that all smoke detectors work properly and have fresh batteries is another way to minimize home fire risk. If you prepare your own food, take precautions when cooking. Never leave pots or pans unattended on a lit burner. Also, check that your kitchen has a working fire extinguisher and get trained on its proper use. Other fire prevention tips: don’t overload extension cords, don’t use any appliance with a frayed or damaged power cord, and don’t wear garments that could easily catch fire while you’re at the stove.

4. Minimize Poisoning Risks

Toxic emergencies can arise from many sources—including spoiled food, carbon monoxide leaks, and accidental overdoses of prescribed medicine. Foods should be examined regularly for freshness, and any that are past their expiration dates should be discarded. Purchasing a monoxide detector can help alert you to silent gas leaks in your home. Most accidental overdoses among seniors result from memory problems, so organize your meds logically so you know what is being taken, how much, and when.

5. Make Bathroom Safety a Priority

Bathroom hazards often result from slippery floors or accidental scalding. You can reduce scalding hazards by having your water heater set no higher than 120ºF. Also, non-skid floor mats can help reduce fall risk when you’re barefoot. Bonus tip: have grip handles or railings installed in the tub, shower, or toilet areas to provide additional stability.

6. Reduce General Clutter

Clutter becomes a fall risk if it begins to encroach on high-traffic areas, such as hallways and stairs. Clutter also creates an impression of disarray and can often exacerbate problems among seniors with memory problems, making it hard to locate needed items quickly. A tidy home not only reduces the risks for physical harm, it creates an ordered environment in which the mind can function at its best.
At 5 Star Home Care, we specialize in helping seniors live full and active lives while maintaining their independence. Our in-home caregivers are compassionate professionals who take the time to learn the needs and abilities of each client. Our aides can provide light housekeeping, basic transportation, and assistance with cooking, eating, dressing, and more. Contact us today and discover how we’re making life better for today’s independent seniors!
5 Star Home Care serves the Philadelphia metro area, including Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery Counties. Contact us today, and discover what peace of mind feels like.