SAFETY FOR SENIORS AT HOME!

What May Not Be An Obstacle To You May Be To Your Elder Loved One.

The next time you visit an elder loved one, take a few minutes to make sure that their home is suited to the mobility and agility limitations we can all experience as we age.

Take A Walk Through The House

* Keep all areas of the house, including hallways and stairs, well-lit.

*Remove scatter rugs, or attach a non-skid backing to them.

*Reduce the risk of falling by making sure floors are not slippery. 

*Use night lights in the bedroom, hallways, kitchen, and bathrooms.

*Keep the stove area in the kitchen free of towels, paper towels, and napkins.

*Remove all newspapers and magazines from the kitchen counter area.

*Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen, and teach everyone how to use it.

*Inspect electrical cords for fraying or cracking; be sure they are placed away from walking.

*Make sure electrical cords are placed away from walking paths, but not under carpet or furniture.

*Set the hot water temperature at 115 degrees or below on the water heater.

*Use slip-resistant decals or non-skid mats in the tub or shower.

*Install grab bars in the bathtub and by the toilet that are securely anchored into the wall studs.

*Check to be sure that extension cords are not overloaded  and are clear of walkways.

*Install smoke detectors on every floor of the home and test them.

*Destroy out-of-date medications and those which are no longer being used.

*Place a telephone in the bedroom and post emergency numbers by all telephones.

*Keep space heaters away from flammable materials, and be sure the room is well ventilated.

*A three-pronged plug should be used in a three hole outlet, or an adapter should be used.

*Always turn off heating pads before an older person goes to sleep.

*Have an emergency exit plan and an alternative plan in case of fire.

Talk With Your Loved Ones About Any Safety Issues
After walking through the home of your loved ones, you should discuss with them any safety issues you found in their home.  If you have questions about how to make the home of an elderly loved one safer, please contact us today. 

Visiting Angels® Can Help!
Here in the Tampa Bay area of Florida, let us demonstrate that Visiting Angels is "America's Choice In Home Care!"  If you would like to set up a free no-obligation assessment for your loved one, or just want to speak with one of our friendly and knowledgeable Angels, just give us a call at 813-909-2550, or, 727-841-8440.  If you prefer, you can send us an email at wecare@visitingangelstampabay.com and we'll get right back to you.

Should You and Your Loved One Consider a Respite Care Program?

If you’re responsible for providing most of the caregiving for an older adult, family member, elderly parent, or loved one, you may want to consider taking advantage of available respite care services. Respite care is short-term, temporary relief to those who are caring for family or loved ones at home, whose relatives would otherwise require treatment at a facility elsewhere. Without respite care, elderly or sick individuals would live in institutions or health care facilities.

Though families appreciate being able to keep their family members or loved ones in the comfort of home, the physical, mental, emotional, and financial burden they carry can often be overwhelming without respite or support. If you’re feeling exhausted facing the challenges of caregiving duties, a Respite Care Program may offer much needed temporary relief. Without valuable respite care programs, caregiving family members may suffer emotionally and financially as they face health problems, social issues, and stress associated with continual caregiving.

Respite Care Programs:

•Sustain family caregiver health and well being

•Allow family members and loved ones to remain at home

If you or someone you know is facing the challenge of caring for a loved one alone, Respite Care Services can offer a break, stress relief, and balance to your life. Providing care every day for family or friends may be difficult, but there are Respite Care Service options and care strategies you may not be aware of. It’s good to consider all options to provide the best care for your loved ones and yourself.

Analyze your needs and the needs of your loved ones.....Figure out which area you need help most:

Have I allotted enough free time for myself?

Does my loved one need help with walking, eating, or other basic tasks?

Does my loved one need help taking daily medication?

Is my loved one getting a proper amount of exercise?

Is my loved one getting enough mental stimulation?

These questions will help you figure out what further steps to take. Once you assess the type, frequency and location of your needs, discover what a Respite Care Program can do for you and your loved one. Anticipating regular relief from Respite Care Services can be lifesaving; share the responsibility of caregiving with another individual and get help and support for yourself.

Contact Us!

Supporting those who help others is very important to Visiting Angels, and we applaud the mission of Aging Solutions.  Here in the Tampa Bay area of Florida, let us demonstrate that Visiting Angels is "America's Choice in Home Care!"  If you would like to set up a free no-obligation assessment for your loved one, or just want to speak with one of our friendly and knowledgeable Angels, give us a call at 813-909-2550, or, 727-841-8440.  If you prefer, we can be contacted by email at wecare@visitingangelstampabay.com