Common Risks Older Adults Face at Home

Seniors may feel safe in their homes, but this doesn’t mean their living environment has been optimized to reduce risks. You can keep your aging loved one safe by equipping his or her home with safety features and removing potential hazards. Here are a few dangers for older adults who live at home. shared by many Winnipeg home care providers

Fall-Related Injuries

Falls are one of the most common causes of injuries in older adults. When seniors break a hip or an ankle, it can lead to a long-term reduction in their mobility levels. To prevent falls, check the home for potential tripping hazards. Get rid of any clutter, and check each room for electrical cords and unsecured rugs. Rearrange any furniture in the walkway to give your loved one more space to move. You should also consider installing high wattage lights to increase visibility at night. In particularly hazardous rooms like the bathroom, you may want to take extra safety measures. Installing grab bars or adding slip-free bath mats can prevent falls and help your loved one navigate slippery surfaces. 

To successfully age in place, some seniors require the help of a professional caregiver. Families rely on Home Care Assistance Winnipeg to provide caregivers who are expertly trained in various aspects of senior home care, including our holistic Balanced Care Method, an evidence-based program focused on healthy eating, regular exercise, mental and social stimulation, and calmness and purpose.

Accidental Poisoning

For seniors who take multiple medications, certain prescriptions can be toxic when consumed in the incorrect dosage or when mixed with other substances. To ensure your loved one doesn’t misuse medications, come up with a system that suits him or her. Seniors who need extra assistance may benefit from a pillbox with an alarm function, while those who want to have the doctor’s instructions at the ready may prefer to keep their pills in their original containers. Make sure your loved one can read all instructions. 

To reduce non-prescription poisoning risks, make sure the house is equipped with a carbon monoxide detector. You may also want to limit your loved one’s access to potentially harmful cleaning agents like ammonia, which can be dangerous when mixed. 

Many older adults are choosing to age in place, and some need a helping hand to continue living at home safely and comfortably. Luckily, there is professional home care Winnipeg seniors can trust and rely on.

Fires

In the event of a fire, many seniors are at risk due to mobility and/or respiratory issues. Make sure your loved one’s home is equipped with several working fire detectors. Remember to change the batteries at regular intervals, as your loved one may find the task difficult. You should also look out for potential fire hazards like frayed cords or incorrectly positioned space heaters.

Product-Related Injuries

Every year, many seniors are injured due to product malfunction. To prevent cuts, burns, and other injuries caused by products, check home appliances for functionality. If you notice appliances are starting to malfunction due to age or poor construction, help your loved one select new and safer versions. You may also want to check out the home items and fixtures that lead to injuries, like loose stairs and step stools, and make sure they’re in good condition.

Living independently is important for seniors who want to maintain a high quality of life. For some, this simply means receiving help with tasks that have become more challenging to manage over time. Even when families have the best intentions, they may not have the time to provide the care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. If your loved one needs help for a few hours a day or a few days a week, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a trusted provider of respite care Winnipeg seniors can depend on. To create a customized in-home care plan for your aging loved one, give us a call at (204) 489 6000 today.