Four Exterior Safety Tips for Your Senior
Your senior’s safety doesn’t stop at her front door. There’s a lot for you to consider around her home, too, especially if she likes to spend time in her yard. These tips can help you to be sure that your elderly family member’s garden or yard are as safe as they can be for her to enjoy them.
Clutter Is Still an Issue, Even Outside
Lots of caregivers feel as if indoor clutter is the only type of clutter than can be a problem. But exterior clutter is just as dangerous. Garden items, random outdoor furniture, and even organic clutter, like leaves and twigs, can all be an issue. Do a quick walk around and see if there’s anything just lying around or blocking pathways. Make sure that you clear those away so that they’re no longer an issue.
Double Check Entrances and Thresholds
Entrances and thresholds can be particularly dangerous for your aging adult. Make sure that they’re all clear and that doors open and shut fully. Even if an exit is one that your aging family member doesn’t use often, it needs to be in good working order just in case. Consider adding ramps or lowering thresholds if they’re a problem.
Stairs and Steps Are a Concern
Anywhere that there are steps or stairs, even only a couple of them, is a spot for extra attention. You need to make sure that the steps themselves are safe for your senior to use, especially if she uses assistive tools like a cane. Verify that any handrails are secure and easy to access in an emergency. If handrails aren’t safe or they’re missing, replace them as soon as possible.
Check out Unusual Garden Features
Slippery areas, like pine needles that tend to overrun a path, or water features in the garden can both be areas of concern. Look for anything in your elderly family member’s yard that might need some extra attention. For instance, installing a fence around a pool can help to ensure that no one falls into the pool accidentally. Figure out what you can do to secure any of the unusual aspects of your senior’s yard or garden.
If your elderly family member spends a great deal of time outside, this is definitely something that you need to focus on for her. Something you might want to consider is hiring senior care providers to determine if there’s anything that you’re missing in your exterior safety plan.
If you or an aging loved one are considering senior care in Monroe, NJ, please contact the caring staff at Care Street Home Care Serving Somerset and Middlesex/Union Counties today. Call (732) 607-8870.
The Care Street mission is straightforward and compelling: to provide a comprehensive range of the highest quality home health services in a professional and efficient manner that will enhance our clients' quality of life and empower families to keep their loved one at home.
Care Street has earned a reputation of excellence among hundreds of families, and is recommended by medical professionals and hospital discharge planners throughout the State.
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