Homewatch CareGivers

Homewatch CareGivers Helps to Prevent Falls Among SeniorsYouve decided its best that your senior loved one spend his or her golden years living at home, where they feel safe in their own familiar atmosphere. Although ones long-time home can provide comfort and happy memories, it might need some simple updates to reduce the potential for injuries.According to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, falling is the leading cause of death and injuries among adults over the age of 65. More than one-third of all seniors (or about 11 million people) fall each year, resulting in almost 12,000 deaths. Fall survivors lose their mobility in 50% of falling cases, and 40% permanently lose the ability to live independently.At Homewatch CareGivers, our caregivers can spot the most common fall risks that could endanger your elderly loved one. These include floor clutter, pets underfoot, slippery bathroom tiles, and more.If these facts alarm you, its time to take action. Check for problems you might not otherwise notice, such as:Dimly lit rooms and hallways: Make sure all rooms are well lit, as vision can worsen with age, chronic conditions or other factors. Change any dim lightbulbs to higher-watt bulbs. For nighttime, provide a nightlight or a touch-light on the nightstand near the bed.Cluttered floors: Your loved one may shuffle or not pick up their feet when they walk, resulting in falling if their foot catches an object on the floor. Move any extension cords out of the way, or any other clutter.Slick floors: The majority of falls in the home happen in the bathroom. If your senior has a standard bathtub that is very low to the ground, and no assistance to get in or out, install non-slip strips or a bathmat. Add grab bars and a shower bench in the shower stall. Make sure there is a non-slip carpet mat near the toilet and bathtub and that towels are low and easily accessible.Learn more about bathroom hazards to watch out for by clicking here! or call 303-625-9365 to talk with an expert. 

At Homewatch CareGivers, Safety is Always Considered for Your Loved OneEntrusting your loved ones care to Homewatch CareGivers means you will have an extra pair of eyes looking for any safety hazards. Something as simple as extra clutter on the floor or a dim light in the hallway could lead to an accident. Caregivers are especially alert to in-home risks and can be there to help minimize the risk of injury.Experts in home safety, including:Food Safety: Caregivers are trained to be vigilant in the handling, preparation, and distribution of snacks and meals.Fall Prevention: Risk for falls are unfortunately high amongst the senior population. Specially-trained caregivers detect these risks and find solutions before they become a problem. We also conduct complimentary in-home consultations prior to service to identify any possible hazards.Emergency Preparedness: In order to reduce the risk of a fire, there should be a regularly-checked smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector in the home, as well as a fire extinguisher, preferably in or near the kitchen.Medication Safety: In-home caregivers specialize in providing support for seniors. One way is by reminding them to take their medicine to stay healthy along with any dietary consideration associated with medicine.Appropriate supervision and an in-home safety consultation can make it safer for seniors to live at home, and the risk of injuries can be reduced when the right steps are taken to improve safety where they live.Questions, please call Homewatch Caregiver Boulder at 303-444-1133.

Homewatch CareGivers Offers Medication Safety for SeniorsMedication management is an important aspect of senior care. The elderly is likely to develop at least one, if not multiple chronic conditions that require different prescription medications to manage often from different health care providers. To keep your loved one healthy, Homewatch CareGivers can help manage your loved ones medications, so they never miss a dose, accidentally double a dose, or take with the wrong foods.Here are some medication management tips our caregivers use:Keeping a detailed list of medications, including doses and dosage times. Include over-the-counter medications such as vitamins or any herbal remedies for your elderly love ones health care provider.Use a pill dispenser as a medication management system.Store medications properly in a cool, dry place, or any other place where they must be stored.Write a journal of any changes in the patients mood or behavior when new medications are introduced, dosages change, or certain pills are eliminated, to communicate to the clients physician.If you or your loved one needs assistance with medication management or medication safety, contact Homewatch CareGivers today at (303) 625-9365!