As people age, their risk of exposure to hazardous substances increases. At Senior Helpers West Jacksonville, we work to provide the best in-home senior care and help to keep your senior loved ones safe. In this blog post, we will explore the top household items that hurt seniors and how to keep your loved ones from coming into contact with them.
Common Household Items That Are Poisonous
Take a look at the potential dangers of these everyday items to avoid accidental poisoning.
1. Cleaning Products
Cleaning products are some of the most common household items that hurt seniors. Many contain corrosive components, such as bleach and ammonia, that can be extremely harmful if ingested or come into contact with skin.
2. Medications
Medicines may produce serious side effects or even death if taken in the wrong doses or mixed with other drugs. Seniors sometimes receive multiple prescriptions from different doctors, so you need awareness of the potential for interactions and overdoses.
3. Plants
Houseplants can also be a source of poison. Seniors with compromised immune systems or low vision may not be aware of the potential danger some plants pose, such as philodendrons, caladiums, and sago palms.
4. Pesticides
You may use pesticides to kill insects. Unfortunately, exposure for seniors may lead to severe illness or even death. Make sure to use pesticides safely.
Why Seniors are at a Higher Risk
Everyday household items pose a larger threat to seniors for the following reasons:
- Physical limitations
As seniors age, they may experience reduced physical abilities, such as weakened muscles, poor balance, and difficulty moving around. This limited mobility may make it difficult to reach items on high shelves. Also, you need to take care that your senior loved one won't trip or fall over potentially hazardous objects or products.
- Cognitive decline
Some senior citizens suffer from cognitive decline and conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease. These cognitive diseases make it difficult for seniors to recognize dangers or even remember to take the proper medications.
- Poor vision
Some seniors may experience vision problems, such as cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration. These vision impairments can make it hard to spot hazards like spilled liquids or broken glass.
Prevention Strategies
- Proper storage
Securely storing hazardous items is crucial for keeping seniors safe. Additionally, you should ensure that potentially dangerous products are properly closed.
- Labeling
To ensure the safety of your senior loved one, make sure to label hazardous items in the home. Use brightly colored, easy-to-read labels on objects, specifying their contents and potential dangers.
- Educate and discuss
Make certain your senior loved one knows of the potential dangers of household products. You may review the items in their homes with your senior family member and also provide them with articles and pamphlets. You may want to check with local environmental groups for information.
We Can Help
At Senior Helpers West Jacksonville, we understand the importance of keeping seniors safe. By understanding the dangers posed by everyday household items that hurt seniors, we can take steps to minimize the risk of poisoning. If you are looking for professional in-home senior care in Jacksonville, Orange Park, Middleburg, Duval County, or Green Cove Springs, contact us today to learn more about our services.