Managing Home Safety Risks for the Elderly
If your elderly loved one is living independently at home, it is important to manage any health and safety risks that could arise. Employing a professional home carer can help to mitigate the risk of falls, fire, burns or poisonings — three of the most common accidents involving older people. If you would like to discuss care requirements for yourself or an elderly loved one, call us now on 020 7483 0212.
Managing Home Safety Risks for the Elderly
If your elderly loved one is living independently at home, it is important to manage any health and safety risks that could arise. Employing a professional home carer can help to mitigate the risk of falls, fire, burns or poisonings — three of the most common accidents involving older people. If you would like to discuss care requirements for yourself or an elderly loved one, call us now on 020 7483 0212.
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The Most Common Home Safety Risks for Older People
If your elderly loved one is hoping to remain in the comfort of their own home for as long as possible, there are many health and safety considerations to be aware of.
Some of the most common home safety risks for elderly people include:
- Falls due to reduced mobility and difficulty managing stairs or obstacles
- Burns while cooking
- Poisonings due to out of date food or food left out to spoil
- Bed sores due to prolonged periods spent in bed.
In addition to these risks, dirty and dusty surroundings and a lack of personal hygiene or cleanliness pose health concerns for elderly people who are less mobile or have become forgetful. There is also the risk posed by criminals who target older people who live alone.
Mitigating Home Safety Risks
It is important to seek a health care needs assessment if you are at risk of an accident at home. In general, the following advice is often provided to help elderly people mitigate home safety risks:
Preventing falls at home — During your home care assessment, it may be recommended that you have support bars or rails installed in certain areas of your to help you move about more safely. You may also find that using a walker or walking stick provides you with balance and stability.
Safety-proofing your home — Ensuring that all hallways, stairs and paths are well lit and clear of objects will help to prevent any accidents. You should also tape rugs to the floor so that they do not move when you walk on them.
Protecting against fire — Elderly people who are forgetful or less mobile should not smoke or use candles while on their own at home. They should also not use an open gas ring to cook or use an open fireplace. Electric heaters should be at least three feet away from anything that can burn, such as curtains, bedding and furniture.
Avoiding bathroom hazards — Set the thermostat low enough to prevent scalding and install grab bars in the shower and near the toilet. Put rubber mats in the bathtub to prevent slipping. A special tub chair or raised toilet seat may be needed if you are having trouble using your bathroom furniture safely and comfortably.
Preventing poisoning — Ensure that there is a carbon monoxide detector installed near all bedrooms and the bathroom, and replace the battery twice a year. Keep all medications in their original containers so you don’t mix them up and take them in a well-lit room so that you can clearly see the labels.
Securing your home — Keep your windows and doors locked at all times and never let a stranger into your home when you are alone. Always ask for written information about offers, prizes or charities and talk over any offers made to you by telephone salespeople with a friend or family member.