If you’ve only got five minutes, is it really worth it to try to fix a possible safety issue? You might be able to do more in that time than you think you can.
Replace Old or Burnt Out Light Bulbs
Light bulbs are one of those things you don’t think about until you absolutely need them and they fail. LED bulbs last for years, but if your senior doesn’t already have those installed, you might want to go ahead and make the switch now. They’re brighter and the long life means that there’s less risk of them burning out any time soon.
Put Together an Emergency Contact List
If you don’t already have a written or printed copy of your senior’s emergency contact list, now is the time. Go through your contact information and put all the important names and numbers into one list. If you do this in a document on your computer or phone, you can print it out and easily edit it as necessary to reprint. The reason for having a hard copy is that electronic methods do sometimes fail and in a crisis, it can be faster to look at a list than to try to remember where that information is stored in a device.
Move Cords and Clutter
Clutter and cords are two big issues that can contribute to tripping. Go through your senior’s house and see what might be a tripping hazard and determine where you can relocate those items. Cords are usually a fast move, but clutter can be more complicated. You don’t have to go through the clutter now or figure out what to do with it. That still needs to be done, but the immediate concern is making sure it’s out of the way.
Check the Water Heater’s Settings
When did you last take a look at your senior’s water heater? It’s possible that the setting on the water heater is just a smidge high for safety. Turning it down even a few degrees doesn’t change how hot water gets used in the house, but it could prevent your senior from accidentally scalding herself. If you have more time, you might want to look into anti-scald tools that you can add to your senior’s shower and tub.
Elderly care providers can be a huge help with safety concerns. It’s not always easy for caregivers to see what might be a big safety problem for their senior. Elderly care providers have experience in managing those issues and can help your elderly family member with other concerns, too.
The staff at Home Care Matters is available to talk with you and your family about all of your needs. Home Care Matters is a home care agency providing quality and affordable a Caregiver in Braselton, GA, and surrounding areas.
Call (770) 965.4004 for more information.
Valerie has the unique experience with home care as she has experienced it from both ends of the spectrum, as a caregiver and as needing care herself as a cancer survivor. Valerie says, “Taking care of someone you love is a physically, mentally and demanding labor of love.Taking care of my mom was the hardest thing I have ever done. It has given me an insight and perspective not many people understand unless you are doing it or have done it.I loved taking care of my mom.I love helping others take care of their love ones too.And now that I’ve been sick, it’s given me a whole new level of empathy and understanding for those who are sick and need help.”
Valerie’s schedule varies daily, but she loves visiting with our clients, families, caregivers, our network partners and being in the office.Says Valerie, “Every day is different, but I wake up excited about what we do, inspired by our team, clients and caregivers.I strive to be a resource to the community.I love my team and I love what we do every day. I like to think my mom would be proud.”
You can reach Valerie by email (Valerie@homecarematters.com) or in our office (770.965.4004).
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