As a caregiver, one of the most important things you can do to ensure the safety of the seniors in your care is to take steps to remove any poisonous items from their homes. For seniors with vision impairment, this can be an especially daunting task.
At Senior Helpers Princeton, an in-home senior care company serving Princeton, Plainsboro, Princeton Junction, Hopewell, Lawrenceville, Pennington, and the surrounding areas, we understand the importance of making sure seniors with vision impairment have a safe home environment. In this guide, you'll learn about the different types of poisonous materials to look for and how to safely remove them from the home.
Cleaning Products
Cleaning products, such as bleach and other disinfectants, can pose risks to seniors with vision impairment. Seniors who are unaware of the location of the cleaning supplies may accidentally mix them with other products. This will result in a toxic chemical reaction. To reduce the risks of this happening, keep all cleaning materials out of reach, in locked cabinets if possible. In addition, label all cleaning products with non-toxic markers, such as permanent markers or chalk, to identify them and reduce the risk of accidental ingestion.
Medications
Medications can also be a potential hazard in the home of a senior with vision impairment. Make sure to keep track of all medications that are in the home. Keep them in a secure place away from the reach of seniors. Clear labeling can help to reduce the risk of accidental ingestion. Additionally, dispose of expired or unused medications properly to reduce the chances of accidentally using medications.
Pesticides
Pesticides, like other products with potential hazards, should be kept out of the reach of seniors with vision impairment. Whenever possible, opt for safer alternatives to pesticides, such as traps and baits. If using pesticides is necessary, always read and follow the directions on the label and keep the product far away from seniors.
Poisonous Household Plants
Some common household plants can be toxic to seniors with vision impairment. Examples of potentially poisonous plants include, but are not limited to philodendron, dieffenbachia, and English ivy. If you do have any of these plants in the home, keep them out of reach. Also, be sure to label the plants to help identify them.
How to Organize and Secure Hazardous Materials
Once you've identified the types of hazardous materials that need to be removed or secured, it's important to create a system of organization to better keep track of these items. Designate a specific area in the home, such as a locked cabinet or drawer, for items that require extra security. Label all hazardous materials with non-toxic markers and use plastic or metal containers with locking lids to store them.
Senior Helpers Can Help Keep Seniors Safe and Secure
Removing poisonous items from the home of a senior with vision impairment is an important step in keeping them safe. With some careful forethought, planning, and organization, you can ensure the safety and well-being of the seniors in your care. At Senior Helpers Princeton, we provide a wide range of in-home senior care services to help keep seniors safe and independent in their own homes. Contact us today to learn more.