Home4Life In-Home Services

Safety

 

Although retirement communities have their benefits, many seniors prefer staying in their own homes for as long as possible. According to a 2010 AARP study, nearly three quarters of the research participants said they wish to remain in the current homes as long as they can.

 

However, as an individual becomes more fragile, living at home becomes difficult, even risky. Health problems and side effects from medications can increase chances of injury in the home when an elderly person is already having a harder time getting around. The risk of falling increases. The leading cause of death among adults 65 and older is falling, which results in broken hip bones.

 

Suggestions We make:

 

1. Safety First

 

• Make sure there are clear fire-escape routes.

• Smoke alarms on every floor and outside every bedroom are absolutely necessary. Check the batteries in the alarms regularly.

• Install a carbon monoxide detector that sounds an alarm.

• Place a fire extinguisher in the kitchen.

• Consider using monitors and intercoms.

• Keep home well lit--especially areas like stairways, porches, and outside walkways.

• Place protective screens on fireplaces.

• Exposed hot-water pipes need to be covered.

• Add extra light switches or remote switches (such as those that go on or off with the clap of hands).

• Work out an emergency escape plan in case of fire, earthquake, or any other emergency.

2. Removing Hazards Around The Home

 

A senior who may experience problems with balance, walking or have poor eyesight needs to make sure to examine their homes to identify potential hazards. Look to remove or repair items that may cause tripping, such as:

 

• Remove raised doorway thresholds.

• Remove throw rugs and clutter.

• Repair loose carpet or raised areas of flooring.

• Move furniture and electrical cords out of walking pathways.

• Use nonskid floor wax.

• Wipe up spills immediately.

• If you use a walker or cane, put rubber tips on it.

• If you use crutches, clean the bottoms of them regularly with an abrasive pad, such as steel wool.

• Use nightlights in hallways and bathrooms.

• Add sturdy handrails to stairways.

• If you live in an area that gets snow or ice in winter, have a relative or friend sprinkle salt or sand on steps or sidewalks as they become slippery.

3. Making Bathrooms Safer

 

Accidents in the bathroom, such as slipping, are common. There are ways to prevent them. Here are some things you can do:

 

• Install grab handles in bathrooms.

• Place nonskid mats inside and outside your shower or tub and near the toilet and sinks.

• Use shower chairs and bath benches.

• Get into a tub or shower by putting the weaker leg in first.

• Get out of a tub or shower with your strong side first.

• Use a long-handled brush or mittens with straps to help with bathing.

4. Making Daily Activities Simpler

 

Simple changes in a home can help an older adult conserve more energy. Here are some things you can do to make daily activities simpler:

 

• Store household items on lower shelves so that you can easily reach them.

• Use a reaching device that you can buy at a medical supply store so you do not need to climb for an item.

• If you have trouble seeing, purchase a phone with larger numbers from a medical supply store.

• If you have to climb for something, use a step stool with handrails.

• Do not try to carry too many things at the same time.

• Have a place near your door where you can place packages and groceries while you close the door and get ready to put items away.

• Wear low-heeled, comfortable shoes that fit well and give your feet good support.

• Use footwear with nonskid soles and check the heels and soles of your shoes for wear.

• Repair or replace worn heels or soles.

• Do not wear socks without shoes on smooth floors.

 

Questions and Answers

 

Q: What counts for the majority of injuries to Professionals?

 

Improper lifting and transferring.

 

Q: What is the most complex structure in the body?

 

Your back. Over time, bending, twisting and lifting heavy objects can wear down the discs in your back.

 

Q: What does "good body mechanics " mean?

 

Good body mechanics mean protecting your body against injury.

 

Q: What is the one technique that Professionals should always use prior to transferring a client or lifting heavy objects?

 

Professionals should use the "B.A.C.K" method. B-Balance yourself with feet about shoulder width apart; A- Align your back, keep shoulders centered over hips; C- Contract (tighten) abdominal muscles; K- Bend your knees to relieve pressure from lower back. Your leg muscles are the strongest muscles in your body.

Q: What is incident reporting?

 

Incident reporting is a mechanism of tracking and course of care for a patient, family member or a Professional. For instance, an injury to the Professional/client, missed doses/refusal of medications, lack of utilities, verbal confrontations with client or client's family or suspicions of abuse or neglect even if the Professional does not witness it. Incident reporting protects client, Professional and agency. 

 

Q: How is Private Duty care monitored?

 

In the state of Missouri, there is no government oversight. If agency provides nursing,  register complaint with  Missouri State Board of Nursing at http://pr.mo.gov/   For Abuse & Neglect 800-392-0210  Issues with fraud, contact the MO Attorney General's Office through the (Consumer Hotline at 800-392-8222.) All incidents should be reported to the agency.

 

Note: Information provided is only intended as guides and is not intended to be medical/legal advice. Home4Life In-Home Services reserves the right to modify this information at any time. If there are topics you would like added, please use the contact form.