Three Reasons to Consider Eldercare in New York
Keeping Your Loved Ones Safe: Home Care Safety Tips for Seniors
These tips can help you to ensure that your home is safe for your loved ones to move into, or that their home is safe, if you’ve chosen in-home care for your senior-aged relatives.
Providing care for seniors can be challenging. Safety is often a concern for families of seniors who are adamant that they stay in their homes and live as independently as possible; it can also be a concern if a family member moves in with you. If you and your loved one have chosen in-home care in New York State, there are a few things that you can do to ensure that your safety concerns are addressed.
Take Care of the Basics
Just as you would in your own home, make sure that the following safety tools are in place and in proper working order:
- Install smoke alarms or make sure the batteries have been changed. Make sure the alarms work.
- Install safety devices that can keep your relative from being injured in a fall – handrails in showers and on staircases as well as bed rails, if necessary.
- Lay down no-slip mats in places like the bathroom, where the floors typically get wet.
Get Rid of Any Tripping Hazards
When it comes to care for seniors, one of your biggest considerations has to be tripping hazards. This may require you to remove some furniture around in order to great more space. Cords, such as power cords, should be secured to the side and not hanging freely. Rugs also need to be secured or removed.
Sign Your Relative Up For Emergency Alerts
An emergency alert service can give you and your relative peace of mind. In an emergency, they can easily reach police, medical personnel and fire if needed.
Brighten Your Home
It can be easy to forget that an older individual’s eyesight is usually not what it once was. Change out light fixtures to use those that provide lots of light; use nightlights along the hallways and stairways. If your curtains are heavy and darken the house, consider replacing them with lighter curtains that allow light in.
These tips are a starting point. If you feel you need more guidance regarding in-home care in New York, the professionals at Evergreen Choice can help you to make this transition easier.
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