The Holidays are often a time when families through generations get together to remember times past and present.

While home safety for elderly loved ones is of importance any time, it can be difficult for the elderly and their family members when change is needed.

No matter how long the visit, a little planning and preparation can improve home safety and reduce the potential of accidents or other problems in the home that could have disastrous consequences. Below are some things to consider.

Home Accessibility

  • Do you have stairs leading into your home?
  • Can your guest safely climb a few steps?
  • Are there handrails in hallways and upstairs?
  • Are the doors and hallways wheelchair accessible (if needed)?

Keeping the spaces outside your home and in your home accessible will make it easy for your elderly loved ones to do everyday tasks and stay active. Even if keeping areas in a home open and easy to walk through will enable your elderly loved ones to perform daily living activities easily.

Minimize the Risk of Falling

To help minimize the risk of falls:

  • Remove all unnecessary throw rugs and secure edges of area rugs.
  • Create clear, wide paths around furniture.
  • Keep rooms and hallways free of clutter.
  • Secure or remove extension cords and any electrical cords.

There are over 36 Million falls each year by older adults, resulting in approximately 32,000 deaths, according to the CDC. Women fall more often than men and account for 75% of all hip fractures. Falling is not a normal part of aging. Minimize the risk of falling in the home of your elderly loved one will help minimize the risk of falling.

Accessible Bathrooms

  • Do you have a first-floor bathroom? If so, is it accessible and easy to use?
  • Is the bathroom wheelchair or walker accessible?
  • If there is no bathroom, or if it is inaccessible, can an bathroom be added or changed easily to be more accessible?

Having accessible bathrooms is fundamental for our elderly loved ones to be able to easily and safely reach them.

A Restful Environment

  • Does your loved one’s schedule include a nap or rest time?
  • Is there a quiet place to lie down and rest?

Having a bedroom with a comfortable bed and area to rest will make it easier for older adults to rest for naps and sleep through the night comfortably.

Nutrition Needs

  • Are there any diet restrictions? Be mindful of salt, sugar, fat.
  • Adapt favorite recipes to fit within dietary restrictions.
  • Serve a few dishes that can be enjoyed by everyone.
  • Is there a mealtime schedule that must be observed? Some conditions, like diabetes, require meals at regular intervals.

If your elderly lived one has special dietary needs make sure you have snacks and food planned and accessible. When it comes to using Alliance Senior Care Home Care Services, part of what we do for clients is assist with diet and nutrition.

Medication Schedule

  • Remind your loved one to bring all medications that will be needed.
  • Take medicine on time.

Alliance Senior Care provides Medication management as part of our In-Home Care and Specialty Care Services.

Cognitive & Memory Issues

If your elderly loved one  has Alzheimer’s or a related dementia, there are some special precautions you can take to help ensure their safety:

  • Make sure exterior doors are securely closed and locked to prevent wandering.
  • Keep the noise level to a minimum, lower voices.
  • Serve foods that are easy to eat and manage.
  • Avoid having too many decorations, especially items that your loved one may mistake for food.

Plan activities that include sharing memories and stories, like looking through old family photos or movies. Reminiscing will help them remember and often draw them into current activities for the holiday season.

Whether you choose to care for your own elderly, or employ a In-Home Care provider like Alliance Senior Care, make sure your loved ones are eating healthy in the cold season.

To learn more about how In-Home Care can help improve your loved ones’ quality of life, call Alliance Senior Care at 248-274-2170.  It’s not just In-Home Care, it is Integrated Care.

Home Care Services are an excellent resource for family caregivers and seniors alike.

Alliance Senior Care Home Care services offer a wide range of services providing healthcare, daily living assistance, transportation to and from Doctor’s appointments and tailored care services for additional circumstances.

If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring a Caregiver in Bloomfield Hills, MI, please contact the caring staff at Alliance Senior Care today.
Call (248) 274-2170.