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Keeping Your Elderly Loved One Safe Indoors and Out

Injuries in the elderly are often more serious than injuries are in the younger population. The elderly are more likely to require hospitalization, and will often take longer to recover even from minor injuries. Keeping your loved one safe in the nursing home or out is an important concern.

One of the things that you have to keep an eye on is the clothing that they wear. This may sound simple enough, but improperly fitting clothing can cause an elderly one to slip and fall. Sleeves that are too long can also catch on items around the house and send them falling to the floor. Look for clothing that fits properly, is easy to take on and off so that your loved one can get dressed with minimal assistance, and lightweight clothing. Light layers can allow them to add or subtract layers as needed. Non-slip soles on shoes are also a good precaution against falls.

Another thing to consider is the weather. The elderly feel the changes in the weather more acutely than other people, especially when the weather turns cold. If still living at home, check the heating system to make sure that it works properly and is working well. In a nursing home, find out if they have an adjustable thermostat and make sure that they know how to work it. Exercise can also help to keep the body temperature and the blood moving, however, keep in mind any hazards that the weather might cause for exercising outdoors.

Food is another danger for the elderly, especially if they are still cooking it themselves. Improperly handled and cooked food can carry illness that can make them seriously ill. It takes the elderly longer to recover from illnesses and surgery, so good nutrition is a must at all time. Age and medications can make it hard for them to tell if a food has spoiled simply by the taste, and memory loss may cause them to forget to put perishables away properly. If your loved one is in a nursing home, check to see what they are offering on the menu, and make sure that they pay attention to how much your loved one is eating.

Medication is another safety hazard for the elderly. The way medications are absorbed changes, which can cause it to work differently. The elderly may also be prone to more side effects from the medications, and some of those may be bothersome enough that they will stop medication that they need. Many elderly people are on multiple medications, putting them at more of a risk for drug interactions, so make sure to follow dosing directions carefully and discuss any new prescriptions with your doctor and pharmacist. Make sure that all medications are clearly labeled with dosing instructions to prevent accidental overdosing. Some patients find that a labeled pill box, with slots for morning and evening medications, makes it easier to remember to take medications according to schedule.

All of these are little things that you can do to help keep your elderly loved one safe wherever they are. By paying attention to the small details you can make a big difference in their life.