Preventing Accidental Poisoning and Other Injuries During the Christmas Season
Christmas is a joyous time to celebrate with your loved ones, but it can also have many hidden challenges and dangers.
This is particularly true for an elderly adult who may be coping with challenges and limitations such as cognitive functioning decline. As a family caregiver, it is important to be aware of the risks your senior might face during this time, including accidental poisoning and other injuries. Taking steps to prevent these dangers allows your parent to enjoy the holiday season in a safe and healthy way.
Home Care in Abbeville AL: Preventing Accidental Poisoning
Use these tips to prevent accidental poisoning and other injuries during the Christmas season:
-Keep food safety in mind during all aspects of the holiday season. Remember even when the weather is cold, foodborne infection and illness is a hazard. Keep food at safe temperatures, make sure leftovers sent with family are kept well-chilled, and discard any leftovers not properly maintained
-Avoid having poisonous plants in the home. Poinsettias, holly, and other seasonal plants can be extremely dangerous. This is very important if your parent struggles with cognitive functioning decline and may get confused and consume these items
-Do not decorate with artificial candy or food. Your parent or children might get confused and try to eat them, which can lead to choking.
-Avoid air fresheners that look like hard candy. This can lead to poisoning if consumed
Make sure to keep up with your senior’s medication reminders during holiday celebrations. This is especially important if their doctor gave them extra medication to have around during celebrations or for when you are traveling. Make sure your parent is taking only the amount they should when they should.
-Do not leave alcohol easily accessible.
Caring for an elderly adult who is living with cognitive functioning decline can be extremely challenging. Fortunately, elder care can help. An elderly home care services provider can step in to care for your aging parent in personalized ways designed not just to help them cope with these changes, but also to encourage their highest quality of life.
Not only will this help your parent stay healthier and safer throughout their later years, but it will also reduce your stress and enable you to maintain better well-being throughout this care experience. Due to the completely customizable nature of the care, you can feel confident even when your parent’s needs increase, so will their care.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Home Care in Abbeville, AL, please contact the caring staff at Wiregrass HomeCare today. Call us at 334-539-5900.
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