Home Care Services: Tips for Making Your Dad’s Home Safe for Him

Posted in Home Care Services, Senior Safety |

November 10, 2021

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Home Care Services: As your dad ages at home, you want him to be safe.

He has several chronic health conditions that concern you. With so many prescription medications to take, you don’t want him to be alone all day, especially when some of his medications cause lightheadedness and nausea. What do you do to ensure your dad’s house is as safe as it can be for him? Talk to a home care services specialist to arrange a home safety inspection. While you wait, you can easily take care of these safety measures on your own.

 

Home Care Services in Elba AL: Senior Safety

Home Care Services in Elba AL: Senior Safety

 

Install Grab Bars

Grab bars should be near the toilet. Ideally, you want them behind the toilet and on one side. You also want to install them both outside and inside the bathtub or shower. Grab bars are best if there are both vertical and horizontal bars within the bathing area.

Get Rid of Slippery Rugs

Your dad may love the carpet runner he has going down the hallway, but it doesn’t have a non-slip back. When you step on it, it moves around. It could cause a fall. If he won’t get rid of it, install non-slip backing under it. Otherwise, roll it up and donate it to a thrift shop.

Fix Loose Rails and Check For Splintering

Examine the railings on the stairs inside and outside the house. If any are loose, add new screws to ensure they’re tight. If they need to be replaced, take care of that. Check them for splintering, too. If he pulls away quickly because of a splinter, he’s likely to fall.

Check His Seating

Look at his favorite seats in the home. Fix loose chair legs and replace chairs that he struggles to get out of. It may be time to purchase new furniture that has a higher back and sturdy arms. Firmer seat cushions are better than plush, soft ones that he sinks into.

Add Brighter Lighting

Your dad is more likely to trip and fall if he can’t see items on the floor. Make sure that every area he walks is illuminated. When he’s going from his bedroom to the bathroom in the dark, nightlights, especially motion-activated ones, will help him avoid falling.

Hire Home Care Services

Home care services is the final step to take to ensure your dad’s safety while he ages in place. He has the help he needs with daily activities and transportation. You have peace of mind that the home care assistance services he’s using help him remain independent. Call to learn more.

If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Home Care Services in Elba, AL, please contact the caring staff at Wiregrass HomeCare today. Call us at 334-539-5900.

National Water Quality Month – Have You Ever Tested Your Mom’s Well Water?

Posted in Caregiver in Elba AL, Home Care Services in Elba AL |

August 21, 2020

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August’s National Water Quality Month is a good time to discuss the care and maintenance of your mom’s well. Some homeowners don’t realize that the water in a well needs to be checked to ensure it’s safe. A house filter will help with the water quality, but she still should be aware of what’s in her water.

 

Home Care Services in Elba AL: National Water Quality Month

Home Care Services in Elba AL: National Water Quality Month

 

How Often Should It Be Tested?

Ideally, your mom should test her private well once a year. If she has a dug well, it needs to be tested more often than that. Wells that have water supplies closer to the ground surface may become contaminated by things like fertilizers more easily.

 

Why Test Well Water?

Even if the well tested fine when she moved in, they can develop bacteria, parasites, toxic substances, and viruses over time. The water may not smell or look different. If she hasn’t had it tested in a while, she can arrange to do a test by contacting her local health department.

She wants to have her water tested for chloride, coliform bacteria, fluoride, hardness, manganese, nitrates, pH, sodium, sulfates, and total dissolved solids. Chances are it’s still fine, but if it’s not, she can take steps to make her water safer.

 

What Happens if the Water is Unsafe?

If the water is unsafe, several steps may help. She may need to chlorinate her well water to kill bacteria and sulfur. She might need to hire a company to aerate the water or add a solution of hydrogen peroxide to neutralize issues. A whole house water filter may be recommended.

Someone should talk to the company that put in the well. If the pumping level has declined, it may change the water quality. If this is the case, rehabilitation to remove silt, built-up minerals, and other measures may be helpful.

Who helps your mom keep track of her appointments? If she’s struggling to stay organized, are you taking the time to arrange her medical appointments or home maintenance chores like the heating system and dryer vent cleanings? If she can’t do these things on her own, talk about senior care.

She can have caregivers to help remind her of upcoming appointments. Caregivers can be with her on appointment days by providing transportation or being in her home when a contractor is there. They can also cook meals, help with housework and laundry, and assist her with personal care. Call a senior care agency to learn more.

If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Home Care Services in Elba, AL, please contact the caring staff at Wiregrass HomeCare today. Call us at 334-539-5900.