We all know the dangers our homes pose to kids, which is why childproofing is a common concept worldwide. Everyone thinks twice before they leave their kids alone in the house without any adult supervision. But could you say the same for older adults?
Childproofing is critical to making our homes and commercial properties safe for kids. In fact, several areas also ask their local schools to take precautions to prevent injuries in their vicinity. This could mean installing CCTV cameras or door finger guards for schools. But what most people tend to forget is that as we grow older, our homes could become increasingly dangerous places. Many common household items could pose serious safety risks for elderly people as well.
Suppose you live with an older adult. It's important for you to be aware of any potential risks so you can make your home as safe as possible. To help you better care for anyone elderly in your home, below are a few of the most common at-home injuries for seniors, along with tips on how you can prevent them.
A lot of at-home injuries for seniors are related to trips and falls. As we age, our mobility often gets limited, making seniors much more prone to falling in their homes. While it might not seem that big of a deal, falls can result in several severe injuries like bone fractures and head trauma.
But don't worry! You can make your home safe for seniors in several ways and reduce the chances of them tripping and falling. These include:
Adding non-slip mats or removing rugs completely
Installing ramps or stair lifts
Using a cane or a walker
Wearing shoes inside the house
Installing railings in the shower
Moving to a property that has no stairs
Keeping all cables and wires organized
As we age, we also tend to get a little clumsy. But this carelessness could result in severe injuries, especially around doors. A closing door can exert a lot of pressure on its hinge side when swinging shut. If your hand or finger gets stuck in the hinge gap as the door closes, the pressure can be enough to rip your ligaments, result in a fracture, or even amputations.
Installing door hinge guards is the best way to prevent such injuries in your household. These guards are flexible covers that prevent any hands or fingers from accessing the gap between the door and its frame. To prevent handle-side injuries, install a door closer that reduces the speed of your door as it is closed.
Another common type of injury among the elderly is burns. Burn injuries in older adults generally result from balance, memory, or vision problems. These injuries can vary significantly in severity, and it's important for all seniors to stay cautious when doing activities like cooking or ironing.
Such incidents could also result in a house fire! Consider installing anti-scald devices on showers, sinks, and bathtubs to prevent such accidents. Investing in more durable appliances from reputable companies that feature easy-to-access safety mechanisms is also a good idea. For your kitchen, install high-quality smoke alarms and provide all seniors with long mitts that help cover their entire lower arm.
By taking these small measures, you can easily prevent common injuries among senior family members and make your home a haven for them.