Tag Archives: Elder Safety

Elderly Vision Loss – How to Reduce the Likelihood of Problems at Home

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New Jersey Senior Health

One of the most devastating physical problems associated with old age is the loss of vision due to such conditions as macular degeneration, cataracts and glaucoma.  Here are some things to consider that can reduce the likelihood of this leading to problems in the home:

  • Get rid of anything your elderly loved one could trip on, such as coffee tables, toys on the floor, throw rugs.
  • Make sure there are clear pathways within and to each room.
  • Paint doors and trim a color that contrasts with the wall colors, so they will stand out more. Do the same with banisters.
  • Put yellow strips on the edge of each step and also at the beginning and end of ramps.
  • Install grab bars for the tub and shower.
  • Ask your senior and let him or her tell you what kinds of help, if any, would be appreciated.
  • Try to be as understanding as possible during the adjustment period, during which anger and frustration may be forthcoming.
  • Studies have found that those who eat large amounts of certain carbohydrates that cause blood sugar levels to rise and then fall rapidly may have a greater chance of developing central vision loss as they age. Examples of these foods are: white bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, sugar and corn syrup.
  • Encourage your senior to join a support group, where others in the same situation share their feelings about and strategies to cope with vision loss.
  • Inspire your senior to participate in vision rehabilitation programs, and then accompany him or her to some. This will teach you what your senior can do independently, enabling you to support his or her successes.
  • Encourage your senior to get counseling from someone trained to deal with vision issues, either individually or in a group setting.
  • Most people with vision loss are told to stop smoking, as smoking can double their chance of developing macular degeneration, one of the main causes of vision loss in seniors. Encourage your senior to get help to stop smoking.

Posted by: Frank Esposito, Vice President of Expert Home Care.  New Jersey’s Expert Home Care provides professional and reliable home health care and companion care for NJ elderly, helping them with their daily living activities since 1984. Please call us toll free at 800-848-2336 when you have home care related questions or need assistance for a loved one. Get a Free Home Care Assessment (a $375 value!) when you mention this post.

NJ Senior Safety: Kitchen Safety Checklist

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NJ Senior Safety

The kitchen can be a dangerous place for an elderly, frail person if certain steps are not followed.  Here are some things to remember:

  • Keep towels, curtains, and other things that might catch fire located away from the range and oven. If necessary, shorten or remove curtains which could brush against heat sources.
  • Make sure your elderly loved one wears clothing with short-fitting sleeves while cooking.   Seventy percent of all people who die from clothing fires are over 65 years of age. Long sleeves are more likely to catch fire than short sleeves. Long sleeves are also more apt to catch on pot handles, overturning pots and pans and causing scalds.  If one needs to wear long, loose sleeves, fasten them with pins or elastic bands while cooking.
  • Kitchen ventilation systems and range exhausts should be checked to make sure they are in use while cooking. Indoor air pollutants may accumulate to unhealthful levels in a kitchen where gas or kerosene-fire appliances are in use. Open windows to clear air of vapors and smoke when cooking.
  • Extension cords and appliance should be kept away from the sink and range areas. Appliances should be as close to wall outlets as possible so extension cords won’t be needed.  If extension cords must be used, install wiring guides so that cords will not hang near sink, range, or working areas.  Don’t hesitate to add new outlets for convenience and safety with ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) to protect against electric shock.
  • There should be good, even lighting over the stove, sink, and countertop work areas, particularly where food is sliced or cut.  Low lighting and glare can contribute to burns or cuts. Lighting can easily be improved by opening curtains and blinds (unless this causes too much glare), using the maximum wattage bulb allowed by the fixture; reducing glare with frosted bulbs; using indirect lighting, shades or globes on light fixtures; or partially closing the blinds or curtains.
  • The kitchen should have a stable step stool with a handrail.  Standing on a chair is a bad idea.  Screws and braces should be tightened and a broken step stool should never be used.
  • Always check for outdated foods in the refrigerator, freezer and pantry.  Outdated foods can cause food poisoning and sometimes even requiring hospitalization in the elderly.

Posted by: Frank Esposito, Vice President of Expert Home Care.  New Jersey’s Expert Home Care provides professional and reliable home health care and companion care for NJ seniors, helping them with their daily living activities since 1984. Please call us toll free at 800-848-2336 when you have elder care related questions or need assistance for a loved one.

Safety tips

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New Jersey’s Expert Home Care for Elders and Seniors provides care for your aging loved ones since 1984. Please call us when your loved one needs help – 800-848-2336.

Tips for Making the Aging Relative Safe - Make the Home More Comfortable and Safe

Many simple changes can be made to your home to make it a safer and more comfortable place for your loved one. Most of the products needed for these modifications can be purchased at your local hardwear store. Notable alterations include:

1. Install handrails on both sides of all steps inside and out

2. Secure all carpets and area rugs with double-sided tape

3. Install easy-to-grasp handles for all drawers and cabinet doors

4. Use brighter bulbs in all settings

5. Install nightlights anywhere night activity takes place

6. Add reflective, non-slip tape on all non-carpeted stairs

7. Install lever handles for all doors

8. Place a bench near entrances for setting materials and resting

9. Install closet lights along with adjustable rods and shelves

10. Install rocker light switches. The illuminated versions may be very helpful in certain areas.

These small investments could not only make life easier for those involved but could potentially save lives as well.