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When it comes to senior safety, there are a lot of precautions that you can take. You’ve heard the old saying “prevention is better than cure.” It’s true for accidents too.
You’ve heard the old saying, “prevention is better than cure.” It’s true for accidents too. When it comes to senior safety, there are a lot of precautions that you can take.
These ten tips may seem simple, but they are easy to follow and will help to ensure your safety as a senior citizen living independently in the community. These tips will help you navigate throughout your day.
1.) Walking Paths
Ensure adequate space for safe passage between and within all rooms. Make sure hallways, stairs, and walking paths are well-lit and free of objects such as books, shoes, or pets.
2.) Watch Your Rugs
Remove rugs, repair frayed carpeting, and tape or tack down the loose carpet to protect it from slipping and falling.
3.) Avoid Loose Fitting Clothing
For safety reasons, wear close-fitting sleeves when cooking. Loose or long sleeves often result in accidental food spills and burns.
4.) Wear Nonslip Footwear
To prevent slips on smooth surfaces, it is recommended that seniors wear slippers with rubber bottoms and choose sensible shoes.
5.) Don’t Leave Cords Lying On The Ground
Always secure all loose cords to appliances and other items, so you don’t lose your balance and trip.
6.) Keep An Eye Out For Your Dog
If you live with pets, train them to avoid walking in front of your path. This will prevent a pet from accidentally getting underfoot and causing you to trip
7.) Be Careful In The Shower And Tub
Install a safety strip or non-skid mat in the bathtub, shower, and other bathroom areas to prevent slips. Use a professionally installed grab bar instead of a towel rack for support in the shower.
8.) Hold Your Handrails
No matter your age, using the railing and banister is always a good idea when going up or down stairs.
9.) When Using Oxygen Safe Should Be A Priority
Do not smoke or use an open flame while using oxygen.
10.) Use Adaptive Equipment
Adapting your house with safety features like raised toilet seats and tub benches can help you avoid falls.
Home safety for seniors is checking with your loved ones and regularly assessing the home for potential hazards. By taking the time to provide a safe home for your elderly loved one, you can encourage them to live a healthy and empowered life at home, where to want to stay.
Talem Home Care is here to help you when you can’t be there. Feel free to contact our office at 720-789-8529 to schedule your free Home Safety Assessment.
As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, its a beautiful reminder that autumn is upon us. While the fall season brings cozy sweaters and pumpkin spice, it also presents unique challenges, especially for seniors. With slippery leaves, shorter days, and the onset of colder weather, its crucial to take steps to ensure your home is as safe as possible. Here are some essential fall prevention safety tips to help create a secure home environment this autumn.1. Keep Walkways Clear of Leaves and DebrisFallen leaves can be beautiful, but when they accumulate on walkways, they can become slippery, especially when wet. Regularly rake and clear paths, driveways, and steps to prevent slips and falls.2. Improve Outdoor LightingAs daylight hours shorten, good lighting becomes more important than ever. Make sure outdoor lights are functioning properly and consider adding motion-sensor lights around entrances and walkways. This not only helps prevent falls but also enhances security around your home.3. Install Grab Bars and HandrailsBathrooms and staircases are common areas where falls occur. Installing grab bars in the bathroom and handrails along stairs can provide the extra support needed to prevent accidents. Ensure these are securely attached and regularly check them for stability.4. Use Non-Slip Mats and RugsSlippery floors can be hazardous, especially in areas prone to moisture, such as entryways, kitchens, and bathrooms. Place non-slip mats in these areas and secure rugs with non-slip pads to prevent them from sliding. This simple step can significantly reduce the risk of falls.5. Declutter and OrganizeCluttered spaces can be a tripping hazard. Take the time to declutter your home, especially in high-traffic areas like hallways and living rooms. Ensure that cords, shoes, and other obstacles are stored away properly. A tidy home is not only more comfortable but also safer.6. Schedule a Heating System CheckAs temperatures drop, you'll likely be using your heating system more frequently. Before the cold fully sets in, have your heating system inspected by a professional to ensure it's working safely and efficiently. A well-maintained system can prevent accidents and keep your home warm throughout the fall and winter.7. Check Fire Alarms and Carbon Monoxide DetectorsWith the increased use of heating systems, its important to ensure that your fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning correctly. Test them monthly, replace batteries as needed, and consider upgrading to newer models if your devices are outdated.8. Consider a Free Senior Home Safety AssessmentFor seniors, creating a safe home environment is essential. TruBlue offers a Free Senior Home Safety Assessment to help identify potential hazards and recommend modifications to enhance safety. Our certified Senior Safety Specialists can provide personalized solutions that cater to the unique needs of seniors, allowing them to age in place safely.Fall is a season of change, and its the perfect time to take proactive steps to ensure your home is safe and secure. By following these fall prevention tips, you can reduce the risk of accidents and create a more comfortable living environment. Whether its clearing walkways, improving lighting, or installing safety features like grab bars, each small action can make a big difference.At TruBlue, were committed to helping you maintain a safe and comfortable home. Contact us today to schedule your Free Senior Home Safety Assessment and take the first step towards a safer autumn. Together, we can ensure that you or your loved ones can enjoy the beauty of the season without worry.
Recently, I tuned in to an NPR program that was discussing the concept of 'aging in place,' inspired by an insightful article in the Sun Times. As the host engaged in a conversation with her two guests, I was intrigued as they explored various aspects of traditional aging in place concepts, from the installation of safety equipment like shower grab bars to employing plug-in LED lights in hallways and on stairways to prevent falls. They emphasized the importance of having a communication plan for emergencies, ensuring that those choosing to age in their homes have a way to reach out to loved ones or first responders if the need arises. The discussion also touched on how to determine the correct timing for seeking additional assistance from in-home care companies, which offer services ranging from personal care and bathing to meal preparation, laundry, grocery shopping, and light housekeeping. My sister owns one of these types of companies, Wisdom Eldercare, which serves clients throughout the greater Chicagoland area, so I have direct experience with the remarkable level of care and services she and her caregivers provide to their clients. Undoubtedly, these types of services play a crucial role in supporting individuals who wish to maintain their independence at home. While the conversation covered these essential considerations, it surprised me that neither the host nor the guests mentioned the significance of embracing and understanding technology to assist in the aging-in-place journey even once. Although I attempted to bring this perspective into the conversation through a call-in, I unfortunately wasn't selected to participate in the conversation. Since I couldnt bring the technology component of aging in place to that conversation, I'd like to share some of my thoughts and insights on leveraging technology for successful aging in place here. In recent years, the term 'Smart device' has become increasingly prevalent, reflecting a lucrative market where companies aim to capitalize on producing 'smart' products. Everywhere you turn, be it on TV, radio, or the internet, you encounter references to Smart Speakers, Smart Assistants, Smart TVs, Smart Watches, Smart Lights, Smart Doorbells, Smartphones, and more. At its core, a 'Smart' device is simply one that can connect to the internet. The importance lies in their capacity to assist, and I want to highlight a few ways in which they can enhance the aging-in-place experience. Smart Speakers are a category of smart devices that I find to be among the easiest to incorporate into your home, offering a wide range of features that prove immensely beneficial for aging in place. Companies like Apple, Amazon, and Google have introduced Smart Speakers such as Apple HomePod, Amazon Echo, and Google Nest devices, each equipped with their own Digital Assistants Siri and Alexa for example. These devices can answer queries, from simple ones like checking the weather to assisting with more complex tasks like controlling lights, locking, or unlocking doors, accessing security cameras, and even instructing a robot vacuum to clean the kitchen. For Smart Assistants, via Smart Speakers, to interact effectively, the other connected devices with which they are communicating and controlling must also be 'Smart.' Incorporating Smart LED lights, door locks, cameras, and even robot vacuums into your home offers a seamless integration of additional Smart Devices. Picture someone ringing your doorbell, and with a simple voice command through a Smart Speaker, you can engage in a conversation with them, see the visitor, and even unlock the doorall made possible through the wonders of Smart Devices. Or imagine a scenario where your dog has knocked over their bowl of kibble and hundreds of tiny pieces of dog food are scattered all over the kitchen floor. With one simple voice command to your Smart Speaker, you can instruct your robot vacuum to clean it up eliminating the need to get out the broom and dustpan. As we consider the various elements contributing to successful aging in place, let's not overlook the tremendous potential of technology. Integrating Smart Devices into your home can empower you, providing a level of convenience, safety, and independence that complements the more traditional measures previously discussed. Embracing technology ensures that you not only adapt to the changing times but also thrive in them, creating a blend of modern innovation alongside the desire for a comfortable and secure home environment. And, as we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of technology, let us not forget the profound impact it can have on our livesushering in a new era where the golden years are not just lived but lived exceptionally well, thanks to the synergy of thoughtful planning, caregiving, and cutting-edge innovation.
How to Get Your Parent to Accept Help at HomePosted: November 4, 2020 , in Aging , Caregiving , Home Care Planning
At Talem Home Care, we empower people to take control of their health and lead them through the complicated health care system; so they can achieve their goal of staying independent and healthy at home for as long as possible. Our caregivers are qualified, supportive, and can help you or your loved one remain safe and healthy with the provision of personal care services. Our services are designed for your individual needs.
For our clients, we offer FREE hands on services that assist in finding alternative living situations for those who are unable to continue living at home. We complete a non-medical assessment to determine the needs and desires of the Senior. We also obtain the medical information to help in finding the proper community and we help explore all financial assistance that may be available. Based on all of the criteria obtained our goal is to provide 3 different options to our clients and their family. Talem Home care will help with what could be an overwhelming situation and turn it into a smooth transition for both the senior and their families.