As we get older, our parents and grandparents get older. None of us can stop or even slow down the tides of time, but we can better prepare for the moments in life when a loved one may struggle with physical mobility and health, and face other challenges. Snowbird services providers can be there to assist them through these changes.
When there are seniors in your life — whether it’s your mother or father, grandparents, siblings, a spouse, or even close friends — you need to be more acutely aware of potential safety issues they face.
Many of the safety challenges an elderly person deals with are different than what we might face in our 30s, 40s, or 50s. For most younger adults, safety concerns involve snow and ice storms, traffic accidents, or getting caught in a wicked lightning storm.
Not all elderly men and women are going to face the same challenges, at least not at the same time. Some in their late 70s will have almost no mobility challenges, or health issues to deal with, and are completely fine and safe on their own. Others in their late 60s or early 70s are at risk of just going up and down the stairs.
Let’s look at a basic safety checklist for the seniors in your life to make sure they are as safe as they can be.
1. Identify hazards in the home.
Living in the same place for many years, we often grow overly comfortable with our safety. We know where everything is, almost all things have a place, and hazards don’t seem to be at the forefront of our thoughts.
Taking an outside perspective or viewpoint can identify several hazards that surround the elderly person in their home. This could include a wide range of cooking utensils, spices, pots and pans, and other items in kitchen cabinets that are high up. If that requires them to get a step ladder or drag the kitchen chair over to stand on, that’s a potential risk.
Find the various hazards wherever they are.
2. Reduce slip and tripping hazards.
The more items that are in common walking areas, including hallways, the bedroom, or even the basement, the greater the risk an elderly person could trip and fall. Area rugs with corners that are rolled up, carpets that may have creased, and even slick floor surfaces in the kitchen and bathroom are potential fall hazards.
3. Improve medication safety.
It’s easy to overlook how potentially dangerous mixing the wrong medications, missing dosages, and so forth can be. Family members think they can administer medications to their elderly mother or father or other loved ones, but legally they can’t unless they are certified to do so.
That’s where a visiting nurse or licensed in-home care nurse can be so important. Keeping medications organized and helping seniors stay on the right schedule are keys to improving safety for them at home.
4. Talk about different home care options.
Snowbird services are a great option for seniors who may not be as safe as they once were. They may not be dealing with an endless barrage of health issues, but that doesn’t mean safety is the same as it was in the past. Look to snowbird services and improve safety for that elderly loved one in your life.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Snowbird Services in Plum Boro PA please contact the caring staff at Extended Family Care Pittsburgh today. Call 412-241-7292
Extended Family Care Pittsburgh is a Trusted Home Care Agency in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania including Allegheny County, Beaver County, Butler County, Fayette County, Mercer County, Washington County, North Hills, South Hills, Fox Chapel, Monroeville, Murrysville, Oakland, Plum Boro, Squirrel Hill.
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