Safety Checklist for a Better Elderly Home Care

Many are familiar with the phrase, “There’s no place like home.” For seniors, this is especially true. Many older adults prefer to age in place by continuing to live at home as long as possible. This contributes to their independence in a comfortable and familiar environment.

If an elderly loved one in your family prefers to live at home, it’s important to make sure their surroundings are safe. Below is a home safety checklist from the senior care team at iCare Home Health in Oakville.

1. Check for Fire Hazards

For seniors with mobility issues, finding fire hazards around the home may be difficult. Be sure to check your elderly loved one’s home for the following:

• Fresh batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors
• Frayed or damaged electrical cords
• Overloaded power bars
• Candles, space heaters, and electric blankets

2. Make the Home Fall-Safe

As part of senior home care, it’s important to ensure all trip hazards are removed. Falls are common among seniors, but you can help prevent injury by completing these tasks:

• Remove throw rugs that don’t have a non-slip backing
• Clear clutter from the floor
• Arrange furniture for wide walkways
• Avoid stretching electrical cords across a room
• Buy non-slip indoor shoes for your loved one

3. Address Senior Care in the Bathroom

Bathrooms can pose a caution when slick surfaces become wet and slippery. Consider the following tips to improve safety in your loved one’s bathroom:

• Install handlebars in the shower and toilet area
• Consider replacing bathtubs with walk-in showers
• Use a bathing chair in the shower
• Install a raised toilet seat
• Place rubber mats in the tub and shower

4. Improve Living Spaces

Throughout the living room and bedroom, there are many safety concerns to address. While each home’s layout will differ, some common items to consider include:

• Investing in a stair lift for seniors who cannot climb stairs easily
• Installing a peep hole at the front door
• Ensuring bright lighting throughout the home
• Placing night lights in the bathroom and hallways

Support Seniors with Elderly Home Care

If you’re looking for more support with senior home care, we can help. At iCare Home Health, we offer a number of programs and services to support the unique needs of each senior. Our home care specialists serve seniors throughout Oakville and the Greater Toronto Area.

Some of our services include elderly companions, nursing, senior foot care, and personal support work. Our home care specialists can help ensure your loved one receives professional care as they continue to live at home. Give us a call to schedule a free assessment.