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If you have an elderly parent or loved one who wants to remain in their home, you are likely working to establish quality home care. Hiring an attendant and creating a safe environment for your loved one ensures they’ll be as secure in their own household as they would be with you or in a nursing home. Seniors are at a greater risk of falls and medication errors, so it is important to know how to safeguard them against these potential hazards.

Safety Tips to Complement Quality Home Care 

1. Keep the Household Well-Lit

While arranging in-home care for your loved one, check all of the lightbulbs in their home. Chances are there may be a few rooms where the bulbs have dimmed or gone out completely because they cannot reach up to change them. Invest in CFL or LED bulbs, which can last for up to 10 years, and place them in darker areas of the home such as hallways and stairwells to prevent accidents.

2. Clear Hallways & Walkways of Clutter

Choose a quality home care service whose employees can help with chores. Make sure the home attendant you hire understands the importance of keeping hallways and other walkways free of wires, clothing, and other forms of clutter that pose tripping hazards. 

3. Invest in Carpet

Hardwood and marble floors can be a liability for seniors. These materials are naturally slick, increasing the risk of slips and falls. Protect your loved one by investing in carpeting, particularly in bedrooms and stairwells. This material creates resistance, keeping them upright and providing them with some cushion in the event of an accident.  

4. Monitor Medications

quality home careOld and unused medications can result in poisoning or accidental overdoses. Keep medications—especially opiates and other controlled substances—out of the reach of loved ones. Store these in a secure place and use daily dispensers to oversee safe medication use.

5. Check Smoke Alarms

Either you or the home attendant should check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms at least once a month. These are your loved one’s first defense if there’s a fire or gas leak. Replace the batteries as needed and consider purchasing an alarm which contacts emergency services if triggered.

 

Visiting Angels, an elder care service in Medina, OH, specializes in in-home care for seniors and can help you implement safety tips at your loved one’s residence. For more information about their quality home care services, contact them at (330) 723-0300. Check out their website for more insight on their approach. 

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