How to Create a Safe Environment for In-Home Caregiving

Uncle Eric traveled the world during his long career as a journalist. His home is full of nick-nacks and furnishings, bought in different countries where he lived, or traveled through. After a recent surgery, Uncle Eric needed extra help at home. Uncle Eric has always been a healthy and spry man, but now in his early 80s, he’s been having more trouble with day-to-day tasks, and his eclectic home has proven to be a bit of a hazard. After Uncle Eric slipped on one of his oriental rugs, John realized he needed to make a plan for creating a safer environment for them both.

When caring for a senior in their home or assisting someone in need of long-term care recovering from surgery or an injury, it is vital to have a safe, clean, and comfortable environment. Today’s blog highlights considerations for optimal in-home caregiving.

First step: assess the home

Professional in-home health care and senior care franchise partners at Qualicare begin each potential client relationship by assessing the space where they’ll be working. But it might not be a step you initially think of if you are an informal caregiver for a loved one or family member. However, assessing the home, and making a plan to create a safe and healthy space for a loved one is vital to ensuring the best care possible.

Depending on the needs of the loved one, there are a variety of in-depth resources that can help you assess the home. If the person being cared for is a senior, the Canadian government’s Safe Living Guide – A Guide to Home Safety for Seniors has a myriad of ideas for aging well in the home. Additionally, AARP offers a detailed guide to assessing the home in their Home Fit Guide. And, this WebMD article offers ideas specifically about post-surgery care in-home, as well.

Be prepared for emergencies

In case of emergency, it’s vital to have important phone numbers in an obvious place by the phone and programmed into cell phones. When a frightening health event occurs, the last thing you want to do is to struggle to find the right numbers to call.

Be sure to include these numbers:

• Primary care doctor
• Specialist doctors
• The nearest hospital
• 911
• Police
• Family and friends who can come to aid in an emergency

Get to know the inner workings of the home in case of emergency. Find gas, water, and electric shutoffs. Additionally, it’s important to have exits unblocked, in case you need to quickly leave the house, or have emergency personnel come into the home. Be aware of which doors easily lock or do not, and make sure that any bathroom or bedroom door can be unlocked from the outside.

Prevent falls by taking basic precautions

Rugs and carpeting can easily trip someone recovering from surgery or an elderly person. Be sure that all rugs or carpeting are nailed down or remove them all together. Additionally, make sure that all furniture in the house is in good condition, and there are no loose legs on tables, etc. It’s important to have good lighting throughout the house to help to prevent falls, especially around the hallways and the stairs. Having good lighting next to the bed with an easy turn-on switch is also a great idea.

Keep an eye on electric

Electrical outlets should not be overloaded. If a space heater is being used, make sure that it’s not plugged into an extension cord, and is in safe condition. Also, make sure that all cords are in good condition, and are not frayed or cracked.

Common kitchen safety tips

The kitchen is full of potential hazards. First, fire safety basics: a working smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detectors are crucial to have in the kitchen, as well as a fire extinguisher. Keep an eye on lighters and matches and keep them out of reach if a senior is at risk of potential harm.

You may need to re-organize the kitchen as well. Decreasing excess clutter and getting rid of items that are not used will help with kitchen mobility. It may be necessary to re-arrange the drawers, the pantry and cupboards, and the refrigerator so that items are easier to reach. It’s great to set out small appliances that are frequently used at waist level. Keeping the kitchen organized, sanitized, and clean will contribute to overall wellness. If a senior has dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, you’ll need to remove knives, scissors, and other sharp objects from the kitchen as well.

Bathroom safety tips

There’s nothing worse than worrying about falling while enjoying a good soak! Many seniors, and individuals who have had long-term illness or surgery benefit from non-slip mats in the bathtub and on the floor. Additionally, installing bars for stability next to the bath, shower, and toilet will help individuals who struggle with mobility.

Storing prescription medications in their original containers, and keeping them well-organized will help to prevent any misuse of pharmaceuticals. And you can prevent germs from spreading by keeping the bathroom clean and making sure the person being cared for has a fresh toothbrush, and clean dishes.

Don’t forget about outdoor precautions

Make sure stepping outside for a breath of fresh air is a safe activity! Check daily that outdoor stairs and walkways do not have snow, leaves, or ice. Fences and gates should be in good repair, and if there is an outdoor deck be sure it’s up to code. If there are any outdoor hazardous items like pesticides, make sure they’re stored in original containers and put in a safe place.

After John realized that he needed to assess his uncle’s home, he noticed several items to improve. For example, Uncle Eric’s bathroom needed grab bars, and a non-skid mat in the bathtub. While checking out the house, John also found foreign items he’d never seen before. These items sparked new travel stories, and the uncle and nephew deepened their bond over tales of vibrant life. As he sat with his uncle one evening after finishing up a variety of home improvements, John looked across the living room and felt grateful that the oriental rugs now hung on the wall. They’re still a beautiful reminder of days jet-setting the globe, but no longer a risk factor for falls!