Hello World! Welcome Friends! Your home should be one of the safest spaces in your life. However, the most common hazards that may lead to severe health complications and medical emergencies also happen within these spaces. They could be from a gas leak, slippery floors, poor lighting, exposed extension cords on the floor, a cluttered room, etc.
Since most people prefer receiving in-home senior care, similar to these senior care Franklin Tennessee based services, to reduce expenses, it’s necessary to conduct a complete home assessment to identify areas that need modification. This ensures that the client and the caregiver live within a hazard-free environment. Here are ways to create that hazard-free home environment:
1. Do Home Modifications
Doing an entire home declutter helps eliminate obstacles and enables you to reorganize your home, specifically the furniture, to create an open environment. Additionally, it would be best to modify the house even further to help seniors move around independently with ease. Most of these will involve doing home modifications like;
- Adding assistive devices – A walker or cane near the bed, grab bars for the staircase and bathroom. All of these should be within reach.
- Adding non-skid mats and carpets on smooth surfaces, especially in the shower
- Providing adequate lighting on all entryways
- Enabling wheelchair accessibility – If one uses a wheelchair, the rearrangement should factor in that. It would be best to do further modifications such as lowering countertops, sinks, faucets, and expanding the doors.
- Using Adaptive Equipment – Buy commonly used items like seats and beds with adequate height and support.
- Adding fire safety features – smoke detector, fire extinguisher, and an emergency door exit
- Replacing doorknobs with easy to operate handles
- Considering anti-slip resistant floors.
- Considering automated systems for enhanced convenience and safety.
2. Use the Right Tools
The type of care needed is unique for every senior. Some may require short-term care, while others may need long-term care. In the case of a condition like Parkinson’s, this may need specialized medical long-term care since its symptoms may become more severe over time.
A caregiver helping with Parkinson’s care will undoubtedly need an enabling environment with most of the home modifications continually done to make their work easier. The agency can also provide safety tools like wearable wireless monitor systems for their client to quickly notify the caregiver in case of trouble, a pillbox to arrange medication and notice when it needs a refill, etc.
Since each client is unique, the caregiving services agency should provide their caregivers with the essential work tools to do their work safely.
3. Maintain Cleanliness
If you notice a build-up in clutter, plan to take care of it as soon as possible. It becomes hazardous to you and your caregiver. The best way to take care of it would be by coming up with a routine with your caregiver. You should also clean up household spills.
Choosing a senior living facility could be an alternative for you if you can’t take care of your household cleaning. These facilities provide a clean living space and offer additional assistance with daily tasks and activities. If you live in Wisconsin, for example, search for a senior living community in Chippewa falls that provides personalized care and assistance. Additionally, maintaining cleanliness can also prevent the spread of illness or infection. This is especially important for seniors who may have weaker immune systems.
4. Wear Appropriate Attire
Why should you be restricted from wearing whatever you want while at work and home? The thought of it sounds unfair; however, it’s all for safety. Most caregivers have a practical outfit that helps get the job done. However, if they’re doing it in your home, it’s good to be realistic if they get the job done. As a general rule, you both must dress up in fitting but comfortable clothing that enhances blood flow and protects you from spills and burns.
For the footwear, wear flat, light-weight, and fitting shoes with a good grip and if you’re moving around in slippers, ensure the bottoms are made from rubber. Some conditions such as Parkinson’s or arthritis will also need you to wear a specific type of shoe. An orthopedic is best suited to give the best advice about the recommended footwear.
5. Learn Basic Safety Cultures
Besides making the home safe and secure, the caregiver and the client should also have essential safety tips to shield them from any unsafe encounters. Some of these include:
- Maintaining cleanliness at all times.
- Raising the alarm or reporting suspicious activity immediately to the police.
- Keeping the windows and doors locked at all times and not letting unfamiliar people into your home without confirmation
- Breaking bad habits such as leaving a candle lit near your bed
- Protecting yourself from online fraudsters by not sharing your passwords, social security number, bank information, etc.
- Having varied times when the caregiver leaves home, especially in a situation of in-home care
As much as the caregiver’s work is to provide care, the client must also be taught how to shield themselves from potential risks.
With these systems in place, both the caregiver and the client can coexist safely with minimal risks of harm. Assess your home, address every safety concern as early as possible, and let the caregiver do their job without worry.
About the Author
Jenn Walker is a freelance writer, blogger, dog-enthusiast, and avid beachgoer operating out of Southern New Jersey.
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