Your mom lives alone. You check on her once a week, but that doesn’t ease your worries. You want to make sure she’s safe. Here are six quick fixes that will improve her safety.
Check Stair Rails and Steps Inside and Out
Check the handrails on all stairs inside and outside the house. Make sure they are secure and not falling off or loose. Tighten any handrails that are loose. Check the steps at the same time. Look for steps that have cracked or warped. This isn’t as common inside, but it is a problem outside where wood is exposed to rain, snow, and sun.
If you notice any steps are loose or warped, replace them. If you need to, hire a professional contractor to replace steps or the entire set of stairs.
Get Rid of Clutter
Clutter can lead to your mom tripping and falling. If she has stacks of books in the hallway, take the time to put them on a bookshelf. If there are boots and mittens lying on the stairs, find a safer spot to store them when they’re not being used. Look specifically for items in the normal route your mom uses to go to bed, the bathroom, or downstairs.
Make Sure Smoke/Fire and Carbon Monoxide Detectors Work
Each month, test the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your mom’s home. At the same time, you should check for the sticker that tells you when the detector expires. Most detectors only last a few years before they need replacing.
Have the Heating System Cleaned and Inspected
Once a year, you need to have your mom’s heating system cleaned and inspected. If she has a wood or pellet stove, she should have the chimney swept and inspected, too. Other appliances that need to be checked are gas fireplaces, dryers, and stove/ovens.
Inspect Doors and Windows for Broken Locks and Latches
Check all exterior doors and windows for broken locks and latches. You want to make sure that all doors can be locked to prevent intruders from easily accessing the house.
Install Grab Bars in Key Areas
Grab bars help your mom regain balance if she starts to fall. Make sure they’re installed near the toilet and both inside and outside a bathtub or shower stall. Long hallways also benefit from grab bars.
If you don’t have time to check on your mom, make sure someone can. A caregiver is one of the easiest and best solutions to home care needs. You don’t have to use up vacation time or sick days at work. A caregiver comes on a schedule that works for your family.
At your mom’s home, the caregiver can help with housework, transportation, meals, and transfers. Your mom also enjoys companionship when the caregiver stops by. Learn more about our caregiver services by calling us today.
