National Safe at Home Week always happens in August, during the last full business week of the month. In 2022, that means that this holiday marking safety at home falls on August 22nd through the 26th. If you and your elderly family member haven’t already talked about the various ways that she might not be as safe as possible at home, it might be time to talk about the biggest causes of injury at home for seniors. This list might not address all of your senior’s risk factors, however, so it’s also a good idea to talk to her doctor about how to keep her as safe as possible at home.
Falls
Falls are a huge health problem for aging adults. According to The Centers for Disease Control, over 3 million older adults head to the emergency room each year due to injuries sustained in a fall. Furthermore, falling once doubles the chances that a senior will fall again. It’s crucial to find ways to reduce the possibility that your senior will fall. This means reducing and eliminating clutter and tripping hazards, ensuring she has plenty of space in which to move safely, and addressing other possible contributing factors. Talk with your senior’s doctor about how to reduce her fall risk as much as possible. Depending on her health concerns, home care providers may be another excellent source of assistance.
Heat-related Illnesses
National Safe at Home Week occurs during one of the hottest months of the year in the northern hemisphere and heat-related illnesses are a tremendous concern for aging adults. 24-hour home care can help your senior to remain aware of the warning signs of heat-related illnesses, getting help for her quickly if she is showing signs of being overheated. They can also help your elderly family member to remember to stay cool by wearing appropriate clothing and sipping water to stay hydrated.
Fire
Any home can experience a fire, so it’s vital to have working smoke detectors in place in your senior’s home. It’s also important that she has a fire safety plan in place, including knowing where to go if she has to evacuate her home due to a fire. Local fire departments often can come and do a fire risk assessment at your senior’s home, too, which can reduce her overall fire risk and help her to be safer at home.
Poisons
Home poisoning is another complicated situation for your elderly family member. The most common way that your senior might become poisoned at home could be by accidentally taking medications incorrectly. Having medication reminders and some checks and balances in place can help immensely. Other issues that can lead to poisoning can include cognitive changes, such as dementia, that might cause your senior to mistake household chemicals for edible substances. 24-hour home care can help with both of these major concerns, ensuring that your senior is as safe as possible at home.
Keeping your senior as safe as possible at home means having a plan for the situations that are likely to lead to injuries and accidents.
Source
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10578721/
If you or an aging loved one is considering 24-hour home care in Cherry Hills, CO, call the caring staff at SYNERGY Home Care of Denver today. 303-756-9322
