How to Begin Elderly Care in Your Home in Palm Springs, CA

May 5th, 2011 | Author: lisa More seniors and elderly parents and grandparents are aging in a home environment, some in their own homes, others in the homes of relatives. If you have an elderly person moving in to your home for senior care, make your home ready and senior-friendly. Doing so helps to prevent accidents, create an environment that makes it easier to provide care and access, and offer greater independence and mobility for the elderly.

Step 1
Create a safe environment for your senior loved one. Walk through the house room by room, looking for potential hazards, and fall risks. Fasten carpets and runners securely to the floor so they don’t slip or shift. Rearrange furniture if necessary, so your loved one can get around with her walker or cane without bumping into tables and chairs. Contact a local home care agency that has an RN on staff and in many cases they will provide a free home assessment to help you with this process.

Step 2
Create a fall-proof bathroom. Place non-skid strips or mats in and in front of the bathtub, toilet and sink area. Install grab bars in the tub or shower and beside the toilet. Raised toilet seats may help the elderly access the facilities more independently and provide additional security for those with vision or balance problems. If your loved one has dementia, place electrical appliances in secured areas and cover electrical plates with plugs.

Step 3
Install night-lights in hallways, bedrooms and bathroom so your elderly loved one can go to the bathroom at night unassisted. Make sure lighting fixtures have bright enough bulbs to aid mobility and daily living activities in the living area, kitchen and bedroom and bathroom.

Step 4
Protect your loved one from ordinary objects and appliances if she’s been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Unplug appliances when you’re at work, or remove knobs from gas stoves. Place blenders or toasters in a secured cupboard if possible. Place knives and other cutting utensils in a locked drawer. Remove plastic fruit from the table or counter.

Step 5
Reduce fall risks by placing kitchen objects like dishes or cooking utensils lower than shoulder height for seniors. Remove stepladders or benches from the kitchen. Plastic dishes may be easier for seniors to lift, wash and put away than heavy ceramic or glass dishware.

Step 6
Secure beds and chairs to make sure they won’t roll or slide when your loved one sits down or gets up, especially for those with lower body weakness. Such individuals often “plop” into chairs or onto beds. Make sure Mom has a chair with arms to help her get up and sit down safely. If she uses a nearby bedside table or end table to help her get up or down, make sure it won’t slide or tip over.

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/355477-how-to-begin-elderly-care-in-your-home/#ixzz1CetklNZR

ComForcare helps many families with their Alzheimer’s caregiving needs. If you have questions or need help with home care for your loved one, call us at 888-243-6201. We are a home care agency providing in home care in Palm Springs, CA and the surrounding area or direct to 760.321.2945 or 800.993.2945 to Lisa Marie Blaskie