There may be hazards around the house that could cause trips and falls leading to bruises and sprains or worse, broken bones.
Tools
Use these things to make the tasks safer:
- Shoes with nonslip soles.
- Carpet fasteners or double-sided carpet tape to help keep rugs in place.
- Adequate lighting throughout the home, including walkways, stairs, and outdoor areas. Make sure all light bulbs are working.
- Keep flashlights on hand in case of power outages.
Tips
- Use nonskid wax on floors or no wax at all.
- Clear walkways and stairs of obstacles and tripping hazards like boxes, papers, and other items.
- Move or remove items that might cause falls, such as these:
- Electric cords from phones, lamps, radios.
- Curled or wrinkled rugs, mats, or carpets.
- Oxygen tubing.
- Keep a mop and towels on hand to clean up spills quickly. (Remember that dry spills, such as flour, sugar, and coffee grounds can also lead to falls.)
- Sweep or vacuum the floor regularly.
- Never leave drawers open on dressers, file cabinets, or other furniture.
- On stairs, use railings and take your time. Make sure your vision is not blocked by anything you carry.
- Do not place throw rugs at the top or bottom of stairs.
Of special concern – Always ask clients for permission before moving their belongings. This is especially important for clients with memory or vision disabilities.
Talk it over
Be sensitive that the client may not want the house and its contents rearranged.
You could say this: “I know you might not like having your things moved, but we need clear pathways so neither of us will get hurt. What could we do to make this area safer?”
Please check out How Caregiver and Client Should Talk to Each Other About Safety for related tips for effectively communicating your concerns to each other.
Find help
These websites offer more information:
- Eldercare Locator. www.eldercare.gov. Toll-free nationwide: 1–800–677–1116
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety
- AARP. www.aarp.org. 1–888–OUR–AARP (1–888–687–2277)
Toll-free TTY: 877–434–7598
Toll-free Spanish: 877–MAS–DE50 (877–627–3350)
- Center for Healthy Aging, National Council on Aging. www.healthyagingprograms.org .
- NIOSH Fast Facts for Home Healthcare: 2012–118, 2012–119, 2012–120, 2012–121, 2012–122, 2012–123. www.cdc.gov/NIOSH.
Local stores sell flashlights, batteries, mops, and carpet fasteners.
To do list
Supplies needed:
- Shoes with non-slip soles
- Carpet fasteners or double-sided carpet tape
- Flashlights
- Other: __________________________________________
Safety tips you will follow/New ways to do the tasks:
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Issues you need to discuss:
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
People or organizations to contact for help, tools, or information:
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Building on the above to do list, you can combine them with other to do lists from the other tips in this series to create your own combined action plan for safety and keep it on hand to remind you both about staying safe.
Reference: “Caring for Yourself While Caring for Others” by Center for Disease Control’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
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