There is no doubt behind it that it can be stressful trying to watch over an elderly loved one like a parent or grandparent. You’re probably worried about them enough due to health screenings, but having them live alone just instantly increases the stress, right? So, what can you do? Well, fortunately, there are some ways to make the home much safer for them. So here is what you need to do!
Add smoke detectors.
Smoke detectors are an essential part of any home, especially in the event of a fire. You should be aware that there are many ways to make your smoke detector work better and smarter. It’s even more apparent if it’s an aging loved one who is living alone. So, why not add smoke detectors in all rooms? You’ll just need to make sure each room has an alarm and also make sure to replace your batteries twice per year
Install carbon monoxide detectors.
Carbon monoxide detectors are an important safety measure. You should install one in your elderly loved one’s home to avoid any issues. Since carbon monoxide is a toxic gas that can be deadly if inhaled. So, it is important to install a carbon monoxide detector in your house so that you can detect it and get out of the house as soon as possible. These are battery-operated, so, just like smoke detectors, these need to be checked twice a year.
Keep your home free from common hazards like tripping hazards.
Tripping and slipping hazards are one of the biggest reasons why an elderly person needs to be rushed to the hospital. There are many types of tripping hazards in the house, such as stairs, furniture, cords, and more. To keep their home safe and free from tripping hazards, you should always keep it clean and clutter-free. You can also take it a step further and put some type of gripping for the rugs, so they won’t slip, such as outside of the bath or shower.
Install special safety features to prevent falls.
There are many ways to prevent falls in an elder’s home, but the most important one is installing safety features. It is important to have a plan for when it happens. Besides, these are becoming significantly more necessary for those who are elderly and disabled.
Some of the most common safety features include:
-Install grab bars on the walls and around the sink, bathtub, toilet, and shower.
-Install handrails on stairs and railings.
-Install light switches with deadbolts.
-Install a stairway monitor or a fall prevention system that sounds an alarm when someone falls down stairs
Also, something such as stair lifts can be incredibly helpful, especially considering the fact that these are significantly safer than stairs.
Consider the furniture.
Use age-appropriate furniture pieces to keep seniors comfortable in their homes. When in doubt speak with a professional about what would work best in your elderly loved ones’ home layout.
Hire a professional cleaner.
They can help you clean your elderly loved one’s home regularly without exposing yourself or your loved ones to toxic chemicals or other unsafe substances. When it comes to cleaning, it can be difficult for elders, as they need to bend over, deal with slips, etc. So, the best way to avoid all of this would be by hiring a professional.
Mia Guerra
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