The home can be a dangerous place for seniors when it isn't adequately prepared, as the elderly are more likely to trip and fall. Unfortunately, these injuries take longer to recover as people age. However, the home can be safety proofed and these simple precautions can make a huge difference in ensuring your loved one's safety.
There are some precautions that apply to most rooms in the home.
* Tack or tape any rugs and all loose carpets to the ground. This will prevent people from tripping on up-turned corners or scrunched rugs.
* Cover sharp corners on tables and countertops. This can prevent deep cuts in the event of a fall.
* Install railings on both sides of all staircases. Ideally, the railing should extend beyond the top and bottom steps. Have a carpenter ensure that the railing can hold a person's entire body weight.
* Secure electric cords to the wall so no one trips on them. If a senior has Alzheimer's, place childproof plugs in electric sockets.
Bathrooms can be one of the most dangerous rooms in the home if they aren't prepared properly.
* An elevated toilet seat allows seniors to get up and down easily. Adding a bar on both sides of the toilet further increases safety.
* The shower can be safety proofed by installing a grab bar in case someone starts to slip. Using a shower seat is also safer than standing in a slick tub.
* No-slip mats should be placed around the shower and sink.
* To prevent scalding, label the hot water faucet or paint it red.
* Many shower doors are made of glass, which makes it easy for those with poor eyesight to realize that there is a door at all. You can prevent injuries by placing bright tape or decals on clear glass doors.
The kitchen can be safety proofed easily.
* Make sure all appliances are in good working order. If they aren't, it may be time to make some new purchases or hire a repairman.
* All appliances should be placed near an outlet at waist height so seniors don't have to struggle to reach things that are either too high or too low.
* Ensure that there is adequate lighting. This is especially important in the kitchen, where tools such knives and shredders are used on a regular basis.
* Make sure the smoke detector has fresh batteries.
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.
There are some precautions that apply to most rooms in the home.
* Tack or tape any rugs and all loose carpets to the ground. This will prevent people from tripping on up-turned corners or scrunched rugs.
* Cover sharp corners on tables and countertops. This can prevent deep cuts in the event of a fall.
* Install railings on both sides of all staircases. Ideally, the railing should extend beyond the top and bottom steps. Have a carpenter ensure that the railing can hold a person's entire body weight.
* Secure electric cords to the wall so no one trips on them. If a senior has Alzheimer's, place childproof plugs in electric sockets.
Bathrooms can be one of the most dangerous rooms in the home if they aren't prepared properly.
* An elevated toilet seat allows seniors to get up and down easily. Adding a bar on both sides of the toilet further increases safety.
* The shower can be safety proofed by installing a grab bar in case someone starts to slip. Using a shower seat is also safer than standing in a slick tub.
* No-slip mats should be placed around the shower and sink.
* To prevent scalding, label the hot water faucet or paint it red.
* Many shower doors are made of glass, which makes it easy for those with poor eyesight to realize that there is a door at all. You can prevent injuries by placing bright tape or decals on clear glass doors.
The kitchen can be safety proofed easily.
* Make sure all appliances are in good working order. If they aren't, it may be time to make some new purchases or hire a repairman.
* All appliances should be placed near an outlet at waist height so seniors don't have to struggle to reach things that are either too high or too low.
* Ensure that there is adequate lighting. This is especially important in the kitchen, where tools such knives and shredders are used on a regular basis.
* Make sure the smoke detector has fresh batteries.
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.
About the Author:
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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