Are Our Seniors Safe In Their Homes?

The population of senior citizens continues to grow in our nation. Many members of this population wish to age-in-place. Many seniors wish to remain in their homes and maintain their independent lifestyle for as long as possible. The safety of our seniors is the number one concern for our loved ones.

1. Falls in the home account for 77% of emergency room visits among individuals 75 years of age and older. There are many causes for these falls in the home. Falls ascending or descending stairs, trips on carpets or throw rugs, and falling off step stools or ladders are all very common. Transitioning from a sitting to a standing position can also be potentially hazardous. The transfer to and from furniture, toilet, bed, and bathtub, require strength and balance which could be diminished in this population due to mobility problems and existing health conditions.

2. Exercising regularly will help maintain the strength and balance required to transfer safely from one position to another. A healthy lifestyle can help prevent falls from occurring. A well balanced diet will also help with strength and energy maintenance. If an individual has ample energy, the transfer is much easier and successful.

3. Preventative measures can be made to help maintain safety in the home for seniors. When assessing the living environment for potential for falls, it is wise to start with the floor. Are there wrinkles in the carpets or loose area rugs? If these exist, there is a risk for tripping. If a walker is used, it could get caught up and cause a fall. Replace wrinkled carpets. Remove area rugs or anchor them using sticky rubber strips. Check to see if wood or vinyl floors are slippery. Some cleaning products can cause floors to be very slippery when walking in stocking feet. Cleaning products should be spot tested in a small area that is out of the way.

4. Remove clutter from traffic areas. It is very easy to slip on papers and other materials left on the floor. Be sure electrical cords, phone cords, and curtain pulls are well out of the pathways. Whenever possible, clear furniture with sharp edges away from high traffic areas in case there is a fall.

5. Proper lighting is important to have in areas frequently walked through. The light switch placed at the entrance to a room will avoid stumbling through the room in the darkness to find the light.

6. Eliminate stairs from daily life if at all possible. Try to arrange for sleeping quarters, restroom, and kitchen all on the same level. If stairs must be in the environment, make sure it is a well lit area with a light switch at both ends of the stairs. Indirect lighting eliminates glare and deceiving shadows in stairwells. Install a sturdy banister or handrail.

7. Installing handrails and grab bars near the toilet and shower area to lend stability and support while getting up and down is very helpful. Elevated toilet seats with side handles also assist with that movement.

8. Step-in showers are a safer option than tubs for bathing. Shower chairs with non-skid grips on all four legs reduce the risk of injury. Non-skid grips or mats on the floor of the shower are also helpful. All toiletries should be within arm reach to prevent dangerous reaching.

9. Provide peace of mind and a secure feeling for the senior by having a person present in the home while the senior is showering. With this precaution in place, help is available if necessary.

Talk to the senior before altering the living environment. Include in the conversation the possibility of a free home safety assessment by Interdependence Home Care. Consider and discuss the possibility of having a Home Care Aide assist with some of the higher risk activities of daily living. Interdependence Home Care can assist with light housekeeping, laundry, personal care, and transportation. Help the senior make good, well-informed decisions regarding his or her care and living environment. This interdependent approach will help the ageing individual maintain a safe, comfortable life at home.

Are Our Seniors Safe In Their Homes?

The population of senior citizens continues to grow in our nation. Many members of this population wish to age-in-place. Many seniors wish to remain in their homes and maintain their independent lifestyle for as long as possible. The safety of our seniors is the number one concern for our loved ones.

1. Falls in the home account for 77% of emergency room visits among individuals 75 years of age and older. There are many causes for these falls in the home. Falls ascending or descending stairs, trips on carpets or throw rugs, and falling off step stools or ladders are all very common. Transitioning from a sitting to a standing position can also be potentially hazardous. The transfer to and from furniture, toilet, bed, and bathtub, require strength and balance which could be diminished in this population due to mobility problems and existing health conditions.

2. Exercising regularly will help maintain the strength and balance required to transfer safely from one position to another. A healthy lifestyle can help prevent falls from occurring. A well balanced diet will also help with strength and energy maintenance. If an individual has ample energy, the transfer is much easier and successful.

3. Preventative measures can be made to help maintain safety in the home for seniors. When assessing the living environment for potential for falls, it is wise to start with the floor. Are there wrinkles in the carpets or loose area rugs? If these exist, there is a risk for tripping. If a walker is used, it could get caught up and cause a fall. Replace wrinkled carpets. Remove area rugs or anchor them using sticky rubber strips. Check to see if wood or vinyl floors are slippery. Some cleaning products can cause floors to be very slippery when walking in stocking feet. Cleaning products should be spot tested in a small area that is out of the way.

4. Remove clutter from traffic areas. It is very easy to slip on papers and other materials left on the floor. Be sure electrical cords, phone cords, and curtain pulls are well out of the pathways. Whenever possible, clear furniture with sharp edges away from high traffic areas in case there is a fall.

5. Proper lighting is important to have in areas frequently walked through. The light switch placed at the entrance to a room will avoid stumbling through the room in the darkness to find the light.

6. Eliminate stairs from daily life if at all possible. Try to arrange for sleeping quarters, restroom, and kitchen all on the same level. If stairs must be in the environment, make sure it is a well lit area with a light switch at both ends of the stairs. Indirect lighting eliminates glare and deceiving shadows in stairwells. Install a sturdy banister or handrail.

7. Installing handrails and grab bars near the toilet and shower area to lend stability and support while getting up and down is very helpful. Elevated toilet seats with side handles also assist with that movement.

8. Step-in showers are a safer option than tubs for bathing. Shower chairs with non-skid grips on all four legs reduce the risk of injury. Non-skid grips or mats on the floor of the shower are also helpful. All toiletries should be within arm reach to prevent dangerous reaching.

9. Provide peace of mind and a secure feeling for the senior by having a person present in the home while the senior is showering. With this precaution in place, help is available if necessary.

Talk to the senior before altering the living environment. Include in the conversation the possibility of a free home safety assessment by Interdependence Home Care. Consider and discuss the possibility of having a Home Care Aide assist with some of the higher risk activities of daily living. Interdependence Home Care can assist with light housekeeping, laundry, personal care, and transportation. Help the senior make good, well-informed decisions regarding his or her care and living environment. This interdependent approach will help the ageing individual maintain a safe, comfortable life at home.