ELDERLY HOME SAFETYPart 2 of Caring for Elderly ParentsElderly Home Safety is a primary concern as parents age. If the home is one they have been in for years all the more reason for an in depth inspection. If you are in the home on a regular bases you see what you expect to see. The only time you will notice something wrong is when it is obvious or your parents need help with it. At the end of this page are my recommendations for some very simple but highly effective safety products. The cost is minimal and they are very simple to install and use. To me these are a must have for elderly home safety.
Elderly home safety starts at the curb or property line.
How To Do A Safety Inspection First, do not park on the property. Walk across the street and really look at the front area. Is the front yard over grown with shrubs and trees? Can you clearly see the front door and windows? Walk up the driveway, is it cracked or broken, stumbling hazards? Walk the sidewalk to the door, any hazards? Are there steps to climb? Is the hand rail sturdy? Are the steps intact? Screen door in good shape, does it lock? Front door sound and lock properly? Elderly Home Safety is concerned with safety issues but a walk around the exterior looking at the structure is also a good idea. Living Room can you see as you walk in or does a light need to be turned on? Is the entrance clear of furniture? Is the carpet in good shape, nothing to trip over? Are there any cords running across the floor? Is there plenty of room to walk around furniture and sit down? Are the windows in working order? Do they have screens? Look at all the outlets do they have multiple cords plugged in? Or is a plug strip being used? Is there any black around the outlets? If so note it and get it fixed immediately. Are the plate covers on the outlets? Test the outlets by plugging in a small night light in each outlet. Do the light switches work? Front porch light, does it give off plenty of light? Is the furniture in good repair? No broken legs or arms? Are the pieces sturdy? Look at each wall, are items hung securely? Lamps in working order? Cords in good condition? Check all the cords on electrical items and test to verify the item works properly. Check that the TV sits securely and can't fall over. Are there any tall heavy pieces of furniture? Are they secured to the wall? Stand back again, can your parents get out a window? Go through the other rooms of the house checking the same way. Check for throw rugs that can trip you. Check that curtains and draperies are securely hung. No pull cord hazards. The kitchen flooring is in good repair. Cabinet doors and drawers work properly. GFI outlets in kitchen, bathrooms and utility room? Do the appliances work properly? Gas lines in good shape? Look under the sink, are there any leaks or openings in the wall? Holes need to be repaired. Open cabinets and drawers are there any signs of pests? Have you found lots of cobwebs? Consider having a pest service spray inside and out. In the bathrooms check for leaks and openings in the walls. Does the toilet sit securely on the floor? Is there a grab bar on the wall next to toilet? Flush the toilet does it fill properly? Turn on the hot and cold water at sink, tub and shower. Do these work properly? Is the hot water to hot? Is the water clear or rusty looking? Flush any lines that have discoloration until they run clear. Does the shower work right? Does the head need cleaning? Check the shower floor and walls are they sealed properly? Are there grab bars, are they secure? Does the tub have grab bars are they secure? Install grab bars where there are none. Are there any electrical hazards in bathroom? Are there throw rugs on the floor? Are they secured with double sided tape? If not remove them. Is there a mat in the tub? Can the bathroom door be unlocked from outside? Is the key handy? Tub and shower doors are they made of safety glass? Replace if not. Check all doors to the exterior, are they secure? Can your parents exit through bedroom windows safely? Check the back yard for hazards. Does the garage door operate properly? Where is the hot water heater located? Does it leak? Is it to code? Is anything being stored near it? Clear the area. Where is the electric service box? Check it for any loose circuit breakers or burn marks. Is it to code? Now check for medications, is everything current? Are there old expired meds? Remove them. Are the over the counter items fresh and only what belongs in the bottle in it? Elderly home safety is an on going concern so check things regularly. Is there a fireplace or wood burning stove? Are they safe to use? Have they been cleaned this year? Are there fire or smoke alarms through out the home? Check that they all function. Test them to see if your parents can hear the alarm. Are there phones through out the home? In the bedroom and living area? Are there emergency numbers next to all phones? Is there a list of family numbers at the phones? Elderly home safety check is not finished yet. Do you know what has not been checked? Gas meter, is there a wrench attached to shut it off? Check the hose bibs out side, do they work properly? Are the windows clear of bushes? You are not finished with Elderly home safety yet. With the house in darkness can your parents get through the house safely? Where are emergency flash lights located? Are the batteries fresh? Is there an alarm system in the home? Is it monitored? Is there a panic button? Is there a trusted neighbor who has a key? Elderly home safety inspection is complete for single story home. Check stairways, hand railings and proper lighting on two story homes.
The following home safety products are ones I use or have patients who use them and are very satisfied with the products.
I recommend this for anyone who enjoys taking a walk especially if you do so alone. If you fall or have some other mishap this will alert others to your need for help. If a dog or person becomes a threat you can just hit the button and get help.
This is very handy if your love one tends to wonder off, just set it when you need the doors monitored and when they reach to open the door a load alarm alerts you. No more worrying about them getting out of the house with out your knowledge.
This is one of my favorites it works in sliding doors and on hinged doors. You can set the alarm to sound a piercing alert or set it to a loud barking dog. The barking dog will usually keep your loved one from opening the door and exiting and it doesn't alert the neighbors either.
The above products are recommended for Elderly Home Safety but are handy devises for anyone wanting a little extra protection.
In-Home Care
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