There’s no place like home. Keep your senior safe at home with in-home care.

Keeping older loved ones safe in their own homes is a growing concern for many families in Massachusetts. A study by the Federal Housing Administration found that close to 90% of homeowners would like to stay in their homes as they age which can present unique challenges. Maintaining a safe environment in the home to reduce the risk of injuries while ensuring an older family member maintains their independence is important. Scheduling regular visits with a home caregiver to help with necessary things like personal hygiene or chores around the house. Having a caregiver responsible for some or all of your loved one’s care needs can greatly reduce the burden of keeping a senior safe at home.

Staying Safe at Home

Falling is the most common cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries for people 65 and older, so preventing as many falls in the home as possible is essential. Seniors have difficulty recovering from falls due to decreased bone density, making every fall dangerous and potentially very costly due to hospitalization costs. Ensuring that there aren’t any trip hazards (electric cords, low coffee tables, children’s toys) is essential and installing non-slip flooring can be helpful. A caregiver with Griswold Home Care can assist with keeping things tidy, so there won’t be any unexpected items on the floor that could cause a fall.

The bathroom is the most common area for seniors to fall when they’re living at home. Using a shower that has grab bars on the wall can be used to keep their balance and can help considerably. It may also be a good idea to hire a home caregiver to help with bathing and personal hygiene if a loved one needs assistance staying safe while bathing or showering.

Home Safety for Seniors with Dementia

Seniors who have dementia or other mild cognitive impairment might be able to age at home but require additional safety precautions. Due to their impaired cognitive ability, it’s important to have appliances with auto-shutoff options, locks on drawers with knives/exterior doors, easily accessible lights, and clear pathways and open areas.

It’s important to have a caregiver who can supervise an elder loved one at all times if they’ve started to wander or shown other signs of significant memory loss. Home caregivers can also help with medication reminders and meal prep so you can be sure a senior loved one doesn’t forget the essentials.

Being proactive about home safety with your senior loved ones is the best way to make sure you’re keeping their home safe, and everyone is on the same page. It’s smart to start preparing for an emergency or life-changing event before it becomes absolutely necessary, but it can be tough with other responsibilities to take care of. Griswold Home Care understands how important it is for seniors to stay safe in their homes so they can age where they’re most comfortable. Contact the Griswold Home Care Metrowest-Boston Office at (781) 559-0073 to learn more about how our experienced in-home caregivers can help your loved one stay safe at home.