Homecare safety should be a concern for all individuals, and most especially for in home care facilities in which elders reside. Many people take special precautions to make their homes safe when there are infants and young children around, but far fewer people consider homecare safety for elders. Making a home safe in which older adults live can go a long way towards keeping them in better health and ensuring that accidents or falls are less likely to occur. We have put together a checklist of basic homecare safety below – some of the items may seem obvious, but others are often overlooked and shouldn’t be.
Homecare Safety – Check the Floors
• Floors – It is important to check the home for any potential tripping hazards. This can be anything from a misplaced plant to a rug that is not securely fastened at the edges. Anything that can catch a foot or is not easily seen, or that is in the general walking path, should be dealt with so that it does not potentially result in slips and falls. Check outdoors as well for uneven pavement, as well as transitions that occur between different walking surfaces. Trips and falls are one of the most common causes of injury in elderly adults and can result in life threatening consequences.
• Handrails – Make sure that all stair rails are securely fastened. If need be, install hand rails in other areas, such as bathrooms, to make it easier for elderly individuals to get up and down. If an older adult is not able to safely navigate stairs, to get in and out of the tub, etc., make sure that they have assistance to help them and that the area is made off limits to them when they are alone (many elder adults may think they can do it on their own if no one is around and then get themselves into trouble when they can’t).
• Walking Assistance – If elderly adults have difficulty walking, make sure that they have adequate assistance, whether that be from another individual, a walker or a cane. Just one misstep can result in disaster. If the person is in a wheelchair and is on their own for periods of time throughout the day, make sure they can access anything that they may need (such as the bathroom, food, medications, water, etc.) and that there are no ways they can get into danger (such as falling down steps).
Homecare Safety – Check the Walls
• Electrical outlets – Make sure all electrical outlets are in good working order and that all cords are not frayed. Also make sure that all electrical appliances are in good working condition and are not fire hazards.
• Mold – Check for mold that can accumulate in any area prone to moisture. If moisture is allowed to sit in areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, basements, laundry rooms and garages, it can result in the growth of mold, which can lead to serious health and respiratory issues.
• Hanging Objects – Make sure that all pictures, shelves and other wall objects are securely fastened and will not easily fall. Ensure that there is nothing that can be walked into that can cause injury – especially at eye level.
Homecare Safety – Check the Air
• Dust – If a home is not properly cleaned, dust can build up and can cause respiratory issues. Dust and other dirt can get into a home’s HVAC system and can be distributed throughout a home. For those with already weakened immune systems, this can cause potential problems.
• Air Circulation – Elderly people often have a habit of sitting in their homes without opening windows or running the HVAC system. Make sure there is adequate air circulation within the home and that the home is properly heated and cooled to keep them safe and comfortable.
Homecare Safety – Other Considerations
Aside from the obvious, there are other factors within a home that can be potential safety issues. For example:
• Pets – If there are pets living in a home with older adults, make sure that the pet is not a danger to the person. Also make sure that all pet cages are kept clean and that pets are continually checked for pests such as fleas and other insects that can then invade the home. If elderly adults live alone and have a pet (and many do!), make sure that the person can handle proper care of the pet and that the pet will not cause problems with tripping, mix-ups with food, and so on.
• Medications – Make sure all medications are properly labeled and that the person is capable of knowing when to take all medications and what needs to be taken. If not, get someone to take charge of this daily task.
• Food – Periodically check that all food is fresh and untainted. Get rid of expired food or anything that can be a danger to eat.
• Household cleaners – Make sure all cleaners are well labeled and that the person understands their proper use. Remove anything that can be dangerous.
