As people age, there are many factors that can affect their safety. Senior citizens may have increased difficulty physically, mentally, emotionally and financially and they may need help dealing with various aspects of daily living. Those who care for the elderly should take steps to protect them and to protect themselves.
Physical Safety
If the elderly person has mobility problems, the floors around him should be kept free of debris. Stairs should be kept in good repair and have a strong handrail in place. If the person needs a wheelchair or walker, it should be in good repair. The elderly person and his caregiver should be well trained in how to safely move into and out of it.
Electrical and phone cords should be tucked out of the way as much as possible. There should be adequate lighting. There should be safety bars around toilets and in the bathtub or shower. The elderly person should be encouraged to wear hearing aids and eyeglasses where appropriate. The caregiver may need to feed him or at least to cut up and serve food for him. Medications and other dangerous substances should be put safely out of reach.
If the elderly person is alone for much of the day, it may be wise to purchase a personal alarm system so emergency personnel can be notified if he falls or needs emergency help.
Whenever personal care is given, a caregiver must be sure to wash her hands, using soap and water or a hand sanitizer, before and after the procedure.
The elderly person and the caregiver should always wear supportive shoes when walking and be adequately dressed for the weather and the occasion.
Likewise, caregivers should be properly trained in their duties so they don't injure the elderly person or themselves by, for example, lifting someone incorrectly.
Mental Safety
Many elderly people have memory loss or difficulty communicating. They should be encouraged to take part in activities that will help them, such as occupational and/or speech therapy. Local senior citizens' centers and health departments may have resources for those with mental health problems.
The elderly person's family should determine whether their loved one is capable of handling their own financial, medical or other important matters. A trusted relative or friend may be needed to make important decisions. Powers of attorney, wills and other documentation should be created to protect the elderly person's interests and to ensure her desires are considered when she is not able to speak for herself.
Emotional Safety
Senior citizens often feel anxious, depressed or lonely. They may have lost a loved one. They may feel isolated. They may be frustrated or sad that they can no longer do the things they enjoyed. Their family members and caregivers should encourage them to take part in activities and provide an ear to listen.
If a professional caregiver is needed, family members should always check references and perform background checks to ensure the person selected is trustworthy. The elderly person should feel as safe and as happy as possible. He should never feel threatened by physical, mental or emotional abuse.
Providing elderly care can be very stressful. Caregivers should take precautions to get enough rest and time away from their duties. Make sure caregivers get relief and support in their efforts.
Financial Safety
Unfortunately, some senior citizens are taken advantage of by caregivers, family members or strangers. The person's savings could be taken outright or she could be deceived into making dubious investments or unknowingly transfering her assets into someone else's name. Family members should work together to ensure those assets are protected.
Driving Safety
It is very important to monitor the elderly person's driving if he still does so. Vision, hearing and reaction times tend to decrease as a person ages and the person may not be able to see or hear traffic hazards and/or react quickly enough to endanger himself or others. It may be necessary to have the person's driving ability tested by local authorities and/or take away the car keys and driver's license.
Resources
If an elderly person or her family needs help, most county health departments and local governments offer resources. If signs of physical, mental or emotional abuse are apparent, call the local police department as soon as possible. Remove the elderly person from the situation if necessary.
References
- The Long-Term Care Nursing Assistant; Peggy A. Grubbs and Barbara A. Blasband; 2005.
- 101Eldercare.com: Elder Care Safety Issues by James Brown
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