Why Elderly Need Caregiver Services at Home

The house has many potential dangers and safety risks, even if it is a place of comfort and familiarity, especially for the elderly. Millions of seniors over 60 are treated in hospital emergency departments yearly after experiencing an accident at home.

Seniors experience specific dangers in the home, and professional caregiver services are aware of these dangers. Caregiver services provide professionals aware of the measures that can be taken to mitigate them and know how to deal with emergencies. In-home caregivers prioritize patient and family member safety by doing thorough safety inspections and educating them on common dangers and how to eliminate them.

Major causes of accidents with elderly at home:

Some of the major causes of mishaps with the elderly at home are here:

·        Inadequate diet and hydration:

As we age, our bodies become less able to extract the nutrients they need from meals. This might cause seniors to become dehydrated and malnourished despite their best efforts to maintain a healthy diet and fluid intake. It is necessary to monitor how much food and water your loved one takes in and discuss any concerns with their doctor.

·        Slippery or wet flooring:

Wet or glossy flooring can be especially hazardous for people with trouble maintaining their balance or moving around. Non-slip mats are necessary for the kitchen and bathroom, and any spills should be cleaned immediately. Investigate the topic of safe flooring.

·        Staircases:

Steps pose a significant risk if they are not properly illuminated or the carpeting is loose. If possible, a stair lift or handrail should be installed for safety. Learn more about preventing falls on the stairs.

·        Insufficient lighting:

Dark areas in a house can make it harder for the elderly to see and increase the risk of injuries such as falls. Ensure that all rooms in your house have adequate lighting, and think about getting nightlights for places like corridors and restrooms.

·        Scorching:

Older people are more vulnerable to the dangers of scorching from hot water. Scalding is more likely as we age because our skin grows thinner and more delicate. There is an increased risk of scorching for the elderly because of the prevalence of chronic health problems.

·        Prescriptions:

Taking many prescriptions at once can be difficult for seniors and perhaps dangerous. Be sure to keep track of all the medications your elderly loved one is taking, and help them to organize them in a way that makes sense to them.

Ensure that any drugs you no longer need are properly disposed of. Since many elderly people take more than one prescription drug, they must track when each one expires and is discarded.

·        Potential sources of ignition:

Candles, power tools, and tobacco products are commonly available at home. Keep them away from anything that could catch fire, and never leave them unattended. In case of a fire in your home, they need the assistance of caregivers.

·        After surgery care:

Caregivers can help with recovery in the best possible manner. Patients who live alone or who lack knowledge of basic care practices frequently return to the hospital after being released. Professional caregivers may help with ADLs and ensure treatment is sustained outside the hospital, increasing the likelihood of a full recovery and decreasing readmissions.