More and more seniors are preserving their independence and remaining in familiar surroundings with the help of in-home caregivers. A home safety check is one of the first assessments the agency representative will perform when home health care begins. They are trained to make recommendations going forward and can report any issues with home safety as they arise.
Family members can help with general safety by providing a medical alert system that can signal designated individuals in case of a fall or another problem when the senior is alone. Remind seniors not to smoke in bed and to take their time getting up after lying down. Sturdy, well-fitting shoes are a must to maintain balance. It is a good idea to think ahead about walking aids like canes, walkers and wheelchairs to have them handy when they are needed.
Prescription Drug Safety
As people age, it may become difficult to keep track of medications and take them as prescribed. The caregiver should be given a list of prescribed medications and so they can check to see if the senior is taking them regularly. All medicine vials should be labeled clearly, and old medications should be disposed of immediately. It is a good idea to use an organizer to keep the senior on track.
Inspect the Home
To provide a safe home environment, inspect the home while keeping your loved one in mind. It is a good idea to remove loose area rugs and make sure electrical cords are tucked away from traffic areas to avoid tripping. Stairs should have nonslip surfaces, hand rails and ample non-glare lighting along with a light switch at the top and on the bottom. Home Health Agency can advise you to see if a chairlift is necessary.
Safety in the Bathroom
Bathrooms may present hidden dangers that can affect the safety of your loved one. Remind your loved one to shower only when the caregiver is present, even if they shower independently, for help in case of a problem. The bathroom door should be left unlocked. A walk-in shower, a shower chair, and a hand-held shower head can help the senior shower safely. Make sure the shower mat has a non-skid bottom, and use a skid-proof bath mat to step on after the shower. Bath aids like handles should be installed around the shower and toilet. If there is a tub, purchase a shower transfer chair that enables seniors to sit and then position themselves safely in the shower.
Safety in the Kitchen
An in-home caregiver can provide a great deal of help in the kitchen to keep your loved one safe. The caregiver can make sure that floors and counters are uncluttered and clean, and that work areas are illuminated properly. A home health care aide can check the expiration date on food items and make sure there is enough food in the house. She can also prepare meals, store sharp knives, place heavy items at higher levels for easy access and store hazardous materials away from food.
A reputable home health care agency can provide you with a trained caregiver to keep your loved one safe at home. Home Helpers of South Shore is owned and operated by a compassionate health professional with a strong understanding of the needs of aging seniors. Contact Home Helpers to provide the trained, experienced home health care workers you need for your aging parent.
Please call us at (781) 912-3196 or fill the form on the left for a free in-home consultation to determine the plan that is right for you.
We serve the following communities:
Abington , Braintree , Brockton , Buzzards Bay , Carver , Cohasset, Dighton , Duxbury , Falmouth , Halifax , Hanson , Hingham , Holbrook , Hull , Humarock , Kingston , Lakeville , Marshfield , Mashpee , Middleboro , Norwell , Pembroke , Plymouth , Plympton , Quincy , Randolph , Rockland , Sandwich , Scituate , Taunton , Wareham , Weymouth , Whitman
