Senior Helpers In Home Elder Care of Southeast Michigan Helps You Safety Proof Seniors' Homes

Many seniors live in homes that have not been equipped for elderly care. This makes injuries more likely, which is unfortunate because it takes people longer to recover as they age. However, there are many safety tips that can help prevent a serious injury.

There are some steps that can be taken in any living area of the home.

• . . . . . . All rugs and loose carpets should be either tacked or taped to the ground. This will prevent seniors from tripping on turned-up corners or scrunched rugs.

• . . . . . . Electric cords should be secured to the wall or placed under rugs so no one trips on them. • . . . . . . Sharp corners on tables or countertops should be covered to avoid serious injury in the

event of a fall. • . . . . . . Staircases should have railings on both sides that are strong enough to support a person's

full body weight. Ideally these railings should extend beyond the top and bottom steps.

Bathrooms can be dangerous if they aren't adequately prepared.

• . . . . . . Installing an elevated toilet seat will allow elderly individuals to get up and down easily, as will adding a railing on both sides of the toilet.

• . . . . . . The shower should have a bar to grab in case someone starts to slip. Placing a shower seat in the tub increases safety.

• . . . . . . The hot water faucet should be labeled or painted red to avoid scalding. • . . . . . . Slick floors can be made safer by adding a no-slip mat by the sink and shower. • . . . . . . If the shower door is made of glass, it should be marked with colorful tape or decals so no

one accidentally tries to step through the door.

The kitchen also needs to safety proofed.

• . . . . . . Any appliances that do not work properly need to be replaced. Using them increases the risk of injury. If money is an issue, hiring a repairman may be cheaper.

• . . . . . . Place all appliances at waist level so seniors do not have to struggle to reach things that are either too high or too low.

• . . . . . . Adequate lighting is especially important in the kitchen, where sharp tools are used on a frequent basis. Replace any burned out light bulbs and consider adding an additional desk lamp by the cutting board.

• . . . . . . Make sure the smoke detector is in good working order and has fresh batteries.

Safety proofing a home may seem like a daunting task, but it is necessary, and most of the jobs that need to be done are relatively simple. Enlisting the help of a friend is a good idea, as the job will go faster and you'll be less likely to miss anything. Senior Helpers caregivers are available to help safety proof your aging loved ones' home as part of their daily tasks. With the proper precautions, you can rest assured that your older friend or family member is living in the safest home possible.

Source: Safety Proofing Seniors' Homes by Susan R. Love

Senior Helpers In Home Elder Care of Southeast Michigan Helps You Safety Proof Seniors' Homes

About Senior Helpers

Senior Helpers provides many in-home, caregiving services for the elderly in Southeast Michigan. We offer extensive in-home care services for seniors who embrace their independence and the personal dignity that goes with it. Our in-home care services are provided by bonded and insured caregivers all of whom pass a national background check.

If a senior family member needs in-home care services in Roseville, Oak Park, Franklin, Royal Oak, Milford, West Bloomfield and surrounding areas, we are an excellent choice with exemplary references. In-home care is the compassionate choice for your elderly loved ones' continued independent living. We promise we will do our best to make it a positive experience for them and you. For more information, please visit: http://seniorhelpers.com/location/2601.