{"id":14570,"date":"2023-12-12T21:24:18","date_gmt":"2023-12-12T21:24:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/irvine\/?p=14570"},"modified":"2023-12-13T22:05:23","modified_gmt":"2023-12-13T22:05:23","slug":"recognizing-common-safety-hazards-around-the-home-for-seniors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/irvine\/resources\/recognizing-common-safety-hazards-around-the-home-for-seniors\/","title":{"rendered":"Recognizing Common Safety Hazards Around the Home for Seniors"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many seniors prefer to age in place for as long as possible because they enjoy the comfort and familiarity of their own home. It is filled with their belongings and memories. But as they get older, their home can pose risks to their safety and well-being. As their vision, hearing, balance, gait, and <a href=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/resources\/would-you-recognize-common-signs-of-dementia\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">cognitive abilities change<\/a>, they may not function as independently as they used to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Loved ones should be alert to potential hazards around the home and take steps to improve safety. Here are some key areas to pay attention to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_36 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"display: none;\"><label for=\"item\" aria-label=\"Table of Content\"><span style=\"display: flex;align-items: center;width: 35px;height: 30px;justify-content: center;\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"item\"><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/irvine\/resources\/recognizing-common-safety-hazards-around-the-home-for-seniors\/#Unsecured_rugs_or_slippery_floors\" title=\"Unsecured rugs or slippery floors\">Unsecured rugs or slippery floors<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/irvine\/resources\/recognizing-common-safety-hazards-around-the-home-for-seniors\/#Clutter_in_frequently_used_spaces\" title=\"Clutter in frequently used spaces\">Clutter in frequently used spaces<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/irvine\/resources\/recognizing-common-safety-hazards-around-the-home-for-seniors\/#Unstable_furniture_or_lack_of_handrails\" title=\"Unstable furniture or lack of handrails\">Unstable furniture or lack of handrails<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/irvine\/resources\/recognizing-common-safety-hazards-around-the-home-for-seniors\/#Dangerous_water_temperature\" title=\"Dangerous water temperature\">Dangerous water temperature<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/irvine\/resources\/recognizing-common-safety-hazards-around-the-home-for-seniors\/#Poor_lighting\" title=\"Poor lighting\">Poor lighting<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Unsecured_rugs_or_slippery_floors\"><\/span><strong>Unsecured rugs or slippery floors<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Place non-slip backings on rugs or runners and make sure that the transition between different types of flooring is smooth. It can be easy for seniors to catch their foot on the edge of the carpet and trip and fall. Encourage them to <a href=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/resources\/reducing-risk-of-falls-in-seniors\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">wear proper fitting footwear<\/a> with anti-slip soles on hardwood or tile floors and use a cane or walker if necessary for additional stability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Clutter_in_frequently_used_spaces\"><\/span><strong>Clutter in frequently used spaces<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Try to keep walking paths throughout the home clear from stacks of magazines, mail, trinkets, and other items, as well as electrical cords. Rearrange furniture so there is enough space to comfortably navigate without bumping into or knocking over anything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Unstable_furniture_or_lack_of_handrails\"><\/span><strong>Unstable furniture or lack of handrails<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Seniors may grab onto furniture to help them stand up, sit down, or walk from spot to another. This can be dangerous if furniture with rockers is used, or if the furniture is lightweight and could easily tip over under too much pressure. Keep walkers and canes close by, show seniors how to safely transition, and make sure that handrails are installed and secure anywhere there are steps. Place grab bars in the bathroom as well near the toilet, bathtub, and shower, as wet floors can be incredibly slippery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dangerous_water_temperature\"><\/span><strong>Dangerous water temperature<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With aging, sensitivity to temperature can change. Seniors may not realize when the water is too hot. Setting the water temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit is a good rule of thumb to help reduce risk of burns while still killing bacteria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Poor_lighting\"><\/span><strong>Poor lighting<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Vision problems are common in older adults, and not being able to see well can lead to fall risks. Install motion sensor lights in each room so they automatically turn on and off. Place night lights in bedrooms, hallways, and bathrooms. Make sure there is good lighting when working in the kitchen or relaxing in the living room reading a book or watching TV. Stairwells should also be well-lit so seniors can better navigate up and down the steps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No two seniors age exactly the same, so pay attention to your loved one\u2019s specific needs and abilities. You may need to continue making adjustments as they age and their balance, coordination, strength, vision, and awareness change. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We are proud to provide <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/cQPdPDSXcLaQcEn9A\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">home care services in Irvine, CA<\/a> and the surrounding areas. <a href=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/irvine\/contact\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Contact Always Best Care<\/a> at <a href=\"tel:9497056501\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">(949) 705-6501<\/a> to schedule a free consultation and learn more about available services and supports aligned with your aging parents&#8217; needs. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Many seniors prefer to age in place for as long as possible because they enjoy the comfort and familiarity of their own home. It is filled with their belongings and memories. But as they get older, their home can pose risks to their safety and well-being. As their vision, hearing, balance, gait, and cognitive abilities&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":19,"featured_media":14572,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[169],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-14570","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-aging-well"],"acf":{"background_image_blog_posts":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/irvine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14570","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/irvine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/irvine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/irvine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/19"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/irvine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14570"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/irvine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14570\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14578,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/irvine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14570\/revisions\/14578"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/irvine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/14572"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/irvine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14570"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/irvine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14570"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/irvine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14570"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}