It’s quite common that an elderly loved one wants to stay in her home as long as possible despite some of the complications it now presents her. Parts of her home that she never gave much thought to may now create dangerous areas where she could harm herself or fall. A professional trained in client advocacy services will be able to work directly with your loved one and you to determine where she currently struggles, and what areas may present future trouble if not tackled soon.
Luckily, those trouble spots around the home don’t need to be the reason why she can no longer live at home. Most of them can be addressed so that your loved one can enjoy many more years in her home, living independently.
Five Top Areas to Review for Home Safety for Your Senior
Kitchen
For many, the kitchen not only is a place to store and prepare food, but it’s the place where they feel the most independent. It’s where they get to decide each day what to eat and how to prepare it. The kitchen can also be dangerous as your loved one ages, especially if she has cognitive issues. A burner left on can burn her or start up a fire, a forgotten pizza in a stove can catch fire, and improper cleaning and storage of food can lead to illness.
Bathroom
For seniors with mobility or core strength issues, a bathroom can create several areas that might be dangerous to them. Getting in and out of the tub can become dangerous and perhaps impossible. Standing in a shower may be too exhausting. Even using the toilet can be difficult without support if sitting down and getting up is difficult.
Stairs and Halls
Stairs and hallways can present some likely areas for falls that end in serious injury for the elderly. Making these areas safe for your loved one is important in keeping her home safe. You may need to review the floors for stability and install railings that provide support going up and down the stairs.
Outside Areas
If your loved one has an outside area she likes to enjoy, making that area safe for her is important as well. Sidewalks and outside steps often succumb to damage due to weather and will need to be regularly maintained. Adequate lighting is also important for any evening time spent in those areas.
Living Area
Finally, your loved one’s main living area should be safe for her to relax without worry. The floor is often the spot that gets overlooked in many homes, but loose rugs, extension cords running across the area, and just general debris on the floor can all cause tripping hazards for your loved one.
Client Advocacy Services Can Help with Home Safety Assessments
If you’re feeling overwhelmed after reading all of the areas to review in your loved one’s home, you might want to consider having someone from a client advocacy services team come to your loved one’s home to review the home and offer suggestions on what areas are the most important for your loved one to change. Their job is to help your loved one have a safe living environment that provides you with peace of mind and lets your loved one continue her independence.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Client Advocacy Services in Fort Lauderdale FL, please get in touch with the caring staff at Star Multi Care today. Call 954-962-0926
Star Multi Care is a Trusted Home Care Agency in Florida including Palm Beach, Miami Dade, and Broward County.
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