Family safety for the elderly and those in need of family assistance

Introduction
from

  In a recent post, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] pointed out that "every year olds – those who are over 65 years old – fall." These falls are often severe and there are strong indications that for older people or those who are recovering or disabled, each successful increase will increase the likelihood of additional falls. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2015, there were 9.6 million non-fatal injuries in the elderly due to falls. In the same year, 33,000 people died. [Go to the cdc.gov website for resources]. These facts are clearly lucid, but more concerned is that because these events occur in many domestic countries, they are easily blocked.

Causes of family falls
from

  Older people and others who have lost a certain degree of independence face many challenges in the family, some are internal, others are external, some are related to family safety, and some are related to caregivers. Here are some common factors we all need to remember:

• Lost complete motor control
• a drug that causes drowsiness and/or dizziness
• Home security issues increase the risk of mobility
• Incorrect support device to help move
• Lack of exercise, proper rhythmic physical activity

In all of these, it is easiest to eliminate or mitigate the above single category: family safety issues. This may be the most critical of all, because eliminating any item in this category can significantly reduce the risk of a family falling.

Caregivers and their role in family safety
from

  Providing home caregivers or hiring caregivers for the elderly and others requires a keen awareness of the risk of falling risks at home and helps those in need to avoid them. Nursing staff need to be proactive in ensuring the safety of those they care about by conscious, communicating and correcting hidden and/or obvious family risks. This can be achieved through vigilance and participation. For example, caregivers should try to place themselves in the perspective of the people they care about and predetermine the challenges they face at home and around. For those in need of care, simply accepting their aging, disability or other location is challenging, so caregivers need to be sensitive to the feelings of the elderly and others while still being vigilant to ensure family safety. Caregivers really need to behave as unsung heroes or angels, operate in the background, and don't let older people or others take care of them and lose some sense of independence.

Risk mitigation and safety steps
from

  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other sources provide important and intuitive advice on how to minimize the risk of falls and injuries. In fact, the National Security Council has provided some excellent guidance in its recent article "Slip, Trip and Fall Prevention will make the elderly safe and independent" [click here to get the source]. Most of us can think about this topic and easily present a list of projects that are evaluated in our home to make older people, restorers or people with disabilities safer. The following is a good start and may give you some extra thoughts and guidance. Please note that this is naturally provided as a recommendation rather than a medical advice.

Kitchen safety

• Cooking equipment, cutlery, cutlery, glasses and food should be kept properly for easy carrying
• No type of carpet or similar items are placed on the kitchen floor
• The floor should always be free of any spills [oil, food, etc.]
• Use a tabletop toaster when possible, easy to use
• If you have to use a tall cabinet, you should be able to use the step ladder with armrests
• Non-slip floor cleaner is only used to clean the floor

General concern for carpets

• Wall to carpet should be installed correctly - no loose edges, tears, buckles or holes
• Although not always feasible, solid colors are better because they provide greater consistency for people with reduced mobility - they also show more clean bridges
• Avoid using deep piles and rough carpets

Bathroom problems and safety

• Make sure the bathroom mat is non-slip [and the slip is worn out] - make sure they are placed near the shower/bath area
• Make sure there are mirrors at all levels to ensure that the client doesn't struggle or use mirrors
• When possible, install handrails near the toilet, bathtub and/or shower
• The bath/shower floor should be non-slip, if not, then make sure the anti-slip safety strip is installed
• Use a soap dispenser installed in a very accessible area of ​​the shower/bath, wherever practicable
• Shower chair is located in the bathing area when needed
• The toilet seat should be a raised or toilet seat. Handrails should be installed on the toilet to ensure a safe balance when sitting or going to the toilet.

Bedroom security

• Critical safety items should be within reach of the bed, such as on the bedside table. Consider safety lights, flashlights, cell phones, canes, etc.
• If appropriate, a raised mattress can help in and out of bed
• Floors, especially at the bedside, should be free of debris, paper and any other items
• The night light is on the bedroom and on any route leading to the bathroom

Outdoor and surrounding houses/apartments

• This category is usually only available in certain situations
• Make sure that all sidewalks are free of debris, branches, leaves, rocks, etc.
• In any case, make sure all stones and masonry are strong
• Make sure all sidewalks and lanes are as level as possible
• Make sure all sidewalks are clean and free of moss, algae, oil and/or other slippery substances

General living space problem

• In areas that can be classified as passages, be sure to remove low furniture items. Examples include coffee tables, folding coffee tables, sofa chairs, floor plants, and the like.
• The light switch is fully operational and unimpeded
• No loose carpet or throwing carpet can slide
• No obstacles to furniture in the room and moving space
• Use sound activation light when applicable
• Where applicable, use dark markings that are illuminated on various items that require operation, such as cabinet handles, light switches, etc.
• All wires used for power, data, telephone, etc. are properly routed and secured, not anywhere near the passage or living space
• All furniture is in the right condition, strong and safe
• Several cordless phones are provided, each marked with a black mark and made sure they are audible [ie have a location phone function]
• No loose tiles or floors
• The night lights are located right inside the house.
• Infrared sensors illuminate in certain areas and require brighter light at night

Technical considerations

• It is suitable to install a carbon monoxide detector
• Installing a smoke detector is suitable
• Arrange medical alert devices/subscriptions based on independence, if needed
• Installation of detectors with emergency lights and/or installation of motion-detected illumination where appropriate

---

Orignal From: Family safety for the elderly and those in need of family assistance