Tag Archives: elderly safety

Senior Citizens Bedroom Safety Checklist

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NJ Elder Safety

For seniors, the bedroom can become a place for accidents.  Here are some things to consider:

  • Lamps and light switches should be within reach of the bed. Lamps or switches located close to each bed will enable people getting up at night to see where they are going.
  • Night lights should be used. This is especially important if your elderly loved one makes frequent trips to the bathroom at night.
  • Ash trays, smoking materials, or other heat sources (heaters, hot plates, teapots, etc.) should be kept away from beds and bedding. Burns are a leading cause of accidental death among seniors. Smoking in bed is a major contributor to this problem. Among mattress and bedding fire-related deaths in a recent year, 42% were to persons 65 or older.  Remove sources of heat or flame from areas around beds.  Don’t smoke in bed.
  • Check for proper use of electric blanket. Tucking in electric blankets, or placing additional coverings on top of them can cause excessive heat buildup which can start a fire. Use electric blankets according to the manufacturer’s instructions.  Don’t allow anything on top of the blanket while it is in use. This includes other blankets or comforters, even pets sleeping on top of the blanket.  Don’t set electric blankets so high that they could burn someone who falls asleep while they are on.
  • A working flashlight should be kept close to the bed in case electrical power goes out.  Check the flashlight regularly to see if the batteries are still good.
  • The telephone should be close to your elderly loved one’s bed. In case of an emergency, it is important to be able to reach the telephone without getting out of bed.
  • Never go to sleep with a heating pad if it is turned on because it can cause serious burns even at relatively low settings.

With a little planning, you can prevent accidents that should never happen.

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.

Is It Safe to Leave Your Elderly Loved One Home Alone?

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New Jersey Elder Safety

Many members of the so-called “sandwich generation” either share their homes with frail and elderly parents or, if they continue to live alone, make sure they have around-the-clock live-in care.

This begs the question, however, as to whether it is okay during certain times to leave elderly parents home alone, whether it be for a day, half a day or even an hour or two.

There are many things to consider before you leave an elderly loved one home alone for any length of time.  How is their sight, hearing and memory?  Are they depressed or easily confused? Have you discussed their health problems with a doctor? What follows is a brief checklist of questions you should ask yourself and discuss with a doctor before you leave an elderly loved one home alone.  Keep in mind that if you answer no to any of these questions, you have your answer.

  • Can they get out of the house on their own in case of an emergency?
  • Do they know their address and can they get back inside on their own?
  • Can they react properly and promptly to a fire alarm or smoke detector?
  • Can they relay emergency information over the phone and call 911?
  • Can they take necessary medication on their own and do they have access to it?
  • Is their judgment sound with respect to who they should and should not allow into the house?
  • Can they cook or prepare food and use electrical appliances?
  • Can they manage to use the bathroom by themselves?
  • Are they steady enough to avoid falling should they need to get up?

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.

Posted by: Frank Esposito, Vice President of Expert Home Care