HOME SAFETY

 
Most people think of home as the safest place on the planet. However, the average home is filled with hazards, and senior citizens are especially vulnerable. If you have a parent or elderly loved one who is having difficulty living alone, consider hiring an in-home care specialist to provide long-term care counseling. The professionals at ANS Home Health Services have ample experience with home safety preventative measures, and can help your loved one avoid a trip to the emergency room.

As your loved one gets older, you'll need to make a few alterations to his or her home. The following changes can help maintain your loved one's independence and increase his or her safety.

• Stairs: The stairs pose a significant challenge for elderly citizens. It's important to install bright lighting over the stairs so your loved one can watch his or her step. A chair lift may be necessary if your loved one has difficulty climbing the stairs.
• Bathroom: Slick surfaces make the bathroom one of the most dangerous rooms in the house. To improve safety, consider installing handrails in the shower, a walk-in bathtub, and plenty of anti-slip floor mats.
• Living Spaces: It's vitally important that your loved one clearly sees where he or she is going. For safety's sake, install bright lighting in all areas of the house and make the switches easy to reach.

A long-term care counselor can provide more tips to ensure that your loved one stays safe. Here are just a few ideas that can help your loved one avoid an emergency.

• Remove Tripping Hazards: The average home has a number of tripping hazards, including loose rugs, electrical cords, and low furniture. To improve safety, have an in-home care specialist help you identify and remove hazards.
• Install Safety Alarms: Functional safety alarms can prevent dangerous situations from becoming worse. Make sure your loved one has functional smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and a medical alert system.
• Make Items Easily Accessible: Many seniors get hurt while attempting to reach items on high shelves. Making items easier to reach can help reduce the likelihood of an emergency.