Elder Care Helps Seniors Live Safely in the Comfort of Home

A home that once was a safe place to live can turn hazardous as we grow older. In-home elder care providers can support seniors continuing to live in their own home safely and independently for as long as possible.

Elder care professionals can start by assessing the physical environment of a home to determine if it may pose hazards to older adults. From this assessment they can recommend modifications to reduce the risk.

Falls pose a particular danger to seniors. About 60 percent of seniors will be injured by falls, most of which occur in the home. Elder care providers can improve home safety for seniors with simple changes such as removing throw rugs, clearing clutter and rearranging furniture to create clear pathways. All such measures reduce the risk of falls.

Other solutions to improve elder care safety include moving a second floor bedroom to the first floor, installing grab bars in bathtubs and showers, improving lighting to compensate for an elder’s reduced visual acuity and upgrading a home’s electrical system to eliminate the need for extension cords.

In-home elder care providers also improve senior’s safety in the home just by being there and observing the senior. For instance, an in-home caregiver may note changes in a senior’s gait that could indicate the elder’s need for an assistive device, like a cane or walker, which could prevent the senior from falling.

Seniors can put themselves at greater risk of falling through dehydration, malnutrition and missed doses of prescribed medication. Elder caregivers can prepare regular meals for a senior, make sure they drink enough water and other fluids and can remind them to take their medicine.

Elder caregivers also can help make sure seniors stay physically active, which can help them maintain muscle strength and tone that will make falls less likely.

Elder caregivers play an especially significant role in promoting safety for seniors with dementia, who often may wander. They can keep pathways in the home clear and take other precautions to prevent injury from scalding water, kitchen stoves and other potential hazards.