The elderly are more prone to accidents at home for a variety of reasons. A senior caregiver can help your elderly loved ones avoid accidents by creating a home safety checklist. By taking a few simple precautions around the house, seniors can stay in their homes and live comfortably.

A senior caregiver’s home safety checklist typically focuses on the bathroom, bedroom, and kitchen since these rooms present the most danger and are used every day. A senior caregiver will also help you and your elderly loved ones ensure medication safety.

Senior Caregiver Home Safety Tips:

Keep your elderly loved ones safe when they are living alone by taking this home safety checklist with you as you "senior proof" the home. A senior caregiver agency can also provide this service for you.

Bathroom: If there is one place in the home where most accidents happen, this is it. A senior caregiver suggests that you:

*Install bath aids on the sides of the toilet and on the walls of the shower

*Skid-proof the bathtub to prevent falls

*Clearly mark the hot and cold sink and shower faucets, and turn the water heater down to 120 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid scalding

*Make sure door locks work from both sides

*Let a professional senior caregiver bathe your elderly loved one to avert falls

Bedroom: The bedroom is another accident-prone room for the elderly. Senior caregivers recommend using a nightlight in case they have to get up in the middle of the night. Seniors should also avoid heating pads in bed because they can cause burns if they fall asleep with them turned on.

Kitchen: A senior caregiver will ensure that the kitchen is safe and will prepare food for your elderly loved one. They will:

*Keep the kitchen floor uncluttered and clean to avoid falls

Store heavier objects like pots and pans at waist level to prevent strains

*Ensure all appliances are clearly marked with "on" and "off" positions

*Make sure they avoid wearing loose clothing if they choose to cook for themselves

Medication Safety: Although this isn’t technically an area of the home, medication safety is just as important. A senior caregiver can assist with medication compliance and safety by:

*Ensuring medicine bottles are clearly labeled

Making sure the correct dosage of medication is taken at the correct time

*Refilling prescriptions on time

By following these home safety tips, you can rest easier knowing your elderly loved one isn’t living in a potentially dangerous situation. Of course, the best choice is always to hire a senior caregiver to virtually eliminate risk.

Get more home safety tips from a reputable senior caregiver agency by visiting www.CambrianHomecare.com or by calling 877.422.2270.