Enhancing Home Health Care: The Importance of Preventing At-Home Senior Injuries

Are you concerned about the safety of your elderly loved ones? You’re not alone. Did you know that the CDC reports that a staggering 3 million older individuals receive treatment from emergency departments for fall injuries every year? Perhaps even more alarming is that less than half of seniors report their falls to their physicians.

When dealing with elderly home health care, the consequences of a bad fall or home accident can be devastating. Around 25% of senior falls cause injuries to more than one part of the body, significantly higher than the average of 16% among other age groups. It is important to be aware that women aged 55 and over are at risk of sustaining severe injuries, such as broken bones or head injuries, in the event of a fall. This information is concerning, but it emphasizes the importance of preventing falls and ensuring the safety of those at risk. Shockingly, statistics reveal that one out of every five falls in this age group requires treatment in a hospital.

Even if a fall doesn’t result in a severe injury, the aftermath can still be distressing. Being unable to get back up can lead to pressure sores and even hypothermia if the senior is stuck in one position waiting for help.

One crucial aspect to consider is the psychological impact of falls on seniors. After experiencing a fall, seniors may develop a fear of falling again. This fear can domino effect their lives, resulting in a decrease in everyday activities. As seniors restrict their activities, they may become physically weaker over time. This, in turn, increases their chances of getting injured in the future.

But here’s the good news – you can actively prevent the most common senior home accidents. By implementing small changes to your elderly loved one’s home environment, you can significantly reduce the risk of accidents.

Take it from someone who has experienced the positive impact of these changes firsthand:

After your mom’s unfortunate fall that resulted in a broken wrist, you went above and beyond by taking the initiative to declutter her home. As a result of your efforts, your mom feels more secure and confident in her home environment, and you can relax knowing that the risk of another fall has been significantly minimized.

 

 

Who Is Most at Risk for Home Accidents

Seniors are particularly vulnerable to home accidents due to a combination of risk factors. The likelihood of sustaining injuries at home increases with the number of risk factors identified.

Below are the main risk factors associated with home accidents:

• Lower Body Weakness: 

Weakness in the lower body can make it more difficult for seniors to maintain balance and stability, increasing the risk of falls and accidents.

• Difficulties with Walking and Balance: 

          Issues with walking and balance can significantly impact a senior’s ability to navigate their home safely, increasing the likelihood of accidents.

• Use of Medicines: 

Certain medications, including tranquilizers, sedatives, and antidepressants, can affect a senior’s balance and stability, making them more prone to accidents. Even some over-the-counter medicines can have this effect.

• Vision Problems: 

Poor vision, including cataracts, macular degeneration, or glaucoma, can limit a senior’s ability to perceive obstacles or hazards in their environment, leading to accidents.

• Foot Pain: 

Seniors experiencing foot pain may alter their gait or walking pattern, increasing the chances of tripping or falling at home.

• Poor Footwear: 

Wearing ill-fitting or inappropriate footwear can contribute to instability and falls, making it essential for seniors to choose comfortable and supportive shoes.

• Home Hazards or Dangers: 

The presence of hazards in the home, such as clutter, loose rugs, inadequate lighting, or slippery surfaces, can pose a significant risk for accidents.

• Vitamin D Deficiency:

Vitamin D is extremely important for maintaining the health of both our bones and muscles. When seniors lack this essential vitamin, their bones and muscles may weaken, making them more prone to falls and injuries.

• Calcium Deficiency: 

Calcium is essential for maintaining strong bones. Seniors with a calcium deficiency may experience weakened bones, increasing the risk of fractures from falls.

• A History of Previous Falls:

Older adults with previous falls are at a higher risk of experiencing repeated accidents, underscoring the significance of taking preventive measures to lessen the likelihood of future falls.

 

 

The 9 Most Common Senior Home Accidents to Avoid

Being aware of the most common types of accidents is essential for senior home health care safety. That way, you’ll know what to look out for and how to prevent them from happening. After all, nobody wants an accident to occur at home, especially not our seniors, who are likely to suffer the consequences of injuries more severely than younger individuals.

Based on recent studies, the following nine types of injuries are the most common for seniors living at home:

Falls: Falls are unfortunately very common and happen for a variety of reasons, including uneven flooring, cluttered spaces, and limited mobility.

Burns: Seniors are more likely to experience burns when cooking, using appliances, or smoking cigarettes, mainly if they are forgetful or have trouble seeing.

Choking: Seniors may have difficulty swallowing or chewing, leading to the risk of choking on food. Choosing foods that are easy to chew and swallow is essential.

Medication Overdose or Improper Medication: Seniors often take multiple medications to manage their health, which can be confusing and increase the risk of medication errors. So, it’s essential to manage and keep track of medication properly.

Bedsores: Seniors who are bedridden or have limited mobility may suffer from bedsores, which occur when prolonged pressure is applied to an area of the skin.

Infections: Seniors’ immune systems weaken as they age, making them vulnerable to infections, particularly in hospitals or care facilities.

Lacerations: Seniors are susceptible to lacerations due to sharp items, falls, or accidents with power tools and precisely when there’s limited physical capacity to navigate such items.

Sprains: Muscles and tendons may weaken over time, leading to sprains easily triggered by the simplest movements. Additionally, falls may also result in sprains.

Joint Dislocation: Joints may wear down and become loose over time, increasing the risk of joint dislocation, which can occur if a joint is twisted or bent in a way it shouldn’t be.

 

 

Home Health Care Quick Tips to Make Your Senior’s Home Environment Safer

In just five minutes, you can enhance the safety of your senior’s home environment. 

Below are some suggestions to make their home safer and enable them to move around with confidence:

 

Kitchen:

• Instead of gas or electric stoves, consider installing induction stoves.
• Purchase a one-cup boiler for convenience.
• An automatic shut-off stove and cooktop fire suppressor can prevent accidents in the kitchen.
• I recommend purchasing a jar opener and a safety can opener to make it easier for you to access. These tools can significantly simplify the process of opening jars and cans.
• Place frequently used items on lower shelves for easy reach.
• Clearly label containers and storage areas.

 

Sitting Room/Lounge:

• Remove tripping hazards like rugs, clutter, or electric cables.
• Rearrange furniture to allow easy navigation for seniors and their walkers/wheelchairs.
• Consider purchasing a chair raiser and cushioned non-slip flooring for additional safety.

 

Bedroom:

• Utilize bed risers to make it easier to get in and out of bed by increasing its height.
• Ensure that the drawers’ handles are easily reachable and can be opened easily.
• Position a lamp in a location that can be easily accessed from the bed.
• Ensure adequate lighting between the bed and the bathroom to help navigate during nighttime trips.

Bathroom:

• Include grab bars next to the bathtub or shower and near the toilet.
• Think about installing a raised toilet seat for added convenience.
• Utilize non-slip mats or install a surface that prevents slipping.
• Consider installing a walk-in shower or bathtub for easier access.

Stairs:

• Remove any objects on the stairs and ensure the edges of the carpet are not lifted.
• Put railings on both sides of the stairs.
• Fix or get rid of any carpet that is damaged or worn.
• Consider looking at different options for stairlifts.

Floors:

• Eliminate tripping hazards and avoid repetitive carpet patterns.

In General:

• Put anti-slip ramps at the thresholds between rooms to make it easier to walk over.
• Improve lighting in the home with brighter bulbs and daylight-like fixtures to boost mood.
• Ensure that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are installed throughout the house to prevent hazards.

 

 

Here are Some Easy Changes that Seniors Can Implement to Minimize the Risk of Accidents

• Wear properly fitting shoes.
• Get up from beds or chairs slowly to avoid dizziness.
• Consult a doctor or pharmacist to review medications that may cause dizziness or sleepiness.
• Ask a doctor about taking vitamin D supplements.
• Engage in exercises to strengthen the lower body and improve balance.
• Keep the environment free from items on the floor or stairs.
• Use a “grabber” tool to pick up objects without bending down.
• To avoid slipping accidents, make sure to clean up any spills promptly.
• Place walking sticks at both the top and bottom of the stairs.
• Use the microwave for cooking or heating food if it is easily accessible.
• Learn what to do in the event of a fall or accident.
• Avoid drying clothes on heaters.
• Regularly clean lint from the clothes dryer or ask someone for help.
• When filling the bathtub, turn on the cold water first.
• Use the rear burners on the stove and turn panhandles away from the front of the cooker.

Some personal stories highlight the positive outcomes of making these changes. For example, one person’s dad started using a grabber tool and now feels safer picking things up, and another person’s great aunt switched to an air-fryer to avoid the risks of frying with arthritis.

 

 

Ensure Safety for Your Elderly Loved Ones at Home Today

At Bena Home Care, we understand the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of your senior family member. With that in mind, we have some home health care tips that you can immediately put into practice to guarantee maximum safety for your loved one.

 

Here are some steps you can take:

• Conduct a thorough safety assessment of your senior family member’s home. Look for hazards such as loose rugs, slippery floors, or objects obstructing walkways. Address these issues promptly to create a safer living environment.

• To enhance safety in the bathroom, particularly for seniors who are more vulnerable to accidents, we recommend implementing simple modifications such as installing grab bars and non-slip mats. These additions can effectively decrease the risk of falls and promote a secure environment.

• Ensure that the lighting in your loved one’s home is adequate. Add more lighting fixtures or use bright bulbs to improve visibility, especially in hallways, staircases, and other high-traffic areas.

• Keep essential emergency numbers readily available and easily accessible to you and your senior family member. This can include numbers for the nearest hospital, poison control center, or relevant medical professionals.
• An investment in a medical alert system or a wearable device is worth considering for an added layer of security and peace of mind. These innovative tools allow for immediate access to emergency assistance with just the press of a button. By having this technology readily available, you can ensure prompt response and support in case of any unforeseen medical emergencies.

In addition to these tips, if you are searching for a care provider or expert to lend a helping hand to help your aging loved one navigate their home more securely, you can trust Bena Home Care. At Bena Home Care, our home health care team comprises a dedicated group of skilled personal caregivers, registered nurses, and home health aides. We take pride in our commitment to providing expert care to families who entrust their loved one’s well-being to us. Knowing that our team is dedicated to delivering exceptional care and support, just like we would for our own families, you can be assured.

Feel free to connect with us at Bena Home Care today. We invite you to discover our dedicated squad of caregivers who are committed to ensuring the well-being of your loved ones.

Lastly, it’s important to remember that providing care for others may become challenging unless you prioritize self-care. Your well-being matters too. Take the time to care for yourself to continue providing the best care for your senior family member.

For more information, you can contact us via our website or directly. We are here to support you every step of the way.