As we age, our homes may start to feel less safe than they once did. From slippery floors to steep stairs, there are plenty of hazards that can put seniors at risk. But with a few simple tweaks and adjustments, you can make your home a safer place for yourself or the seniors in your life. In this blog post, we’ve compiled some of the best senior safety tips for the senior care at home in Boca Raton– so whether you’re looking to prevent falls or protect against fires, we’ve got you covered!
Home Safety for Seniors
As we age, our homes can become more hazardous. We can trip on area rugs, fall down stairs, and suffer burns from touching a hot stove. According to the National Safety Council, more than 20 percent of Americans aged 65+ falls each year.
Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and non-fatal injuries for seniors. To prevent falls, the CDC recommends exercising to improve strength and balance, installing grab bars in the shower and near the toilet, using nonslip mats in the bathtub, and removing tripping hazards from your home.
Burns are another common hazard for seniors. The U.S. Fire Administration reports that people aged 65 and older have a 50% greater risk of dying in a fire than the general population. To reduce your risk of being injured in a fire, install smoke alarms on every level of your home and outside sleeping areas. Test them monthly to make sure they’re working properly, and create an escape plan so you know what to do if there is a fire.
Finally, scalding injuries from hot water account for more than one-third of all burn injuries treated in hospitals. To avoid scalds, set your water heater at 120 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. When bathing or cooking, use the cold water tap to run water until it becomes cool before adding hot water. And never leave cooking food unattended—if you need to leave the kitchen while cooking, turn off the stove first
Senior Falls
Falls are the leading cause of injury for seniors, and can result in a loss of independence. To help prevent falls in your home, follow these tips:
– Keep your home clean and free of clutter to reduce the risk of trip hazards.
– Install handrails on all stairs, both inside and outside your home.
– Use non-slip mats in your bathtub or shower, and make sure to keep your bathroom floor dry.
– If you have vision problems, get regular eye exams and update your eyeglasses as needed.
– Wear shoes that fit well and provide good support. Avoid shoes with high heels or slippery soles.
Medication Safety for Seniors
As we age, our bodies change and we become more susceptible to the side effects of medications. It is important to be aware of these changes and take steps to ensure that our medications are safe and effective.
There are several things that you can do to make sure that your medications are safe:
1) Keep a list of all the medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements. This will help you keep track of everything you are taking and allow your healthcare providers to see if there are any potential interactions between your medications.
2) Make sure you understand how to take each medication correctly. Ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider if you have any questions about how to take your medication.
3) Store your medications safely out of reach of children and pets. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
4) Dispose of expired or unused medications properly. Do not flush them down the toilet or throw them in the garbage. Contact your local pharmacy or healthcare provider for information on how to dispose of medications safely.
Senior Scams
There are a variety of scams that target seniors, and it’s important to be aware of them in order to protect yourself. Some common scams include:
-Telemarketing scams: Seniors may receive calls from telemarketers offering fake products or services, or asking for personal information such as credit card numbers.
-Internet scams: Be wary of unsolicited emails or pop-ups that offer freebies or deals that seem too good to be true. Never click on links from unknown sources, and never give out personal information online.
-Identity theft: This can happen when your personal information is stolen, usually for the purpose of opening new credit accounts or making other purchases in your name. Keep your Social Security number and other important documents safe and secure, and shred any unwanted mail before throwing it away.
-Home repair scams:Seniors may be targeted by door-to-door salespeople offering home repair services at inflated prices. Don’t let anyone into your home without verifying their identity first, and get multiple bids for any repairs that you do need done.
Home Modifications for Senior Safety
As we age, our homes need to adjust to accommodate our changing needs. Here are some home modification tips to help make your home safer for seniors:
1. Install handrails on all stairways and grab bars in showers and tubs.
2. Remove area rugs or use double-sided tape to keep them from slipping.
3. Use night lights in hallways and bathrooms.
4. Keep a cordless phone handy in case of emergency.
5. Install motion sensor lights outside the front and back doors.
6. Make sure all stairways have safe, well-lit paths to each exit.
Conclusion
Lux Senior Care is now offering nursing homes in boca raton! Their experienced team of caregivers will provide personalized, one-on-one support for seniors to help them feel safe, comfortable and supported in their own homes. They understand that transitioning to home care can be a difficult process. That’s why they are here to provide knowledgeable and compassionate care that is tailored to each individual’s unique needs. For more information about their services, contact them today!
