When you have an elderly loved one moving in with you, there are a lot of things to keep in mind to ensure their safety. Senior Helpers Reading is an in-home senior care company that covers Birdsboro, Mohnton, Morgantown, Newmanstown, Reading, Reinholds, Robesonia, and Wernersville, and we understand how important it is to make sure your home is free from hazardous and poisonous household items.
In this blog post, we'll explore four of the most common hazards and poisonous household items and offer some practical tips for organizing these items away from your elderly relative's reach.
4 Hazards and Poisonous Household Items
There are many hazardous products in a household, even some that you might not be aware of. Here are four of the most significant. These should all carefully be examined before a senior relative moves into your home.
Cleaning Products
Many common household cleaning products contain dangerous chemicals that can cause irritation and burning if ingested, inhaled, or splashed on the skin. They should be stored away from children and pets, as well as senior adults.
Medications
Many medications can be dangerous if taken incorrectly or by someone who has not been prescribed them. Keep any drugs and other medications in a locked container out of reach of your elderly relative. Keep a list of all medications and talk to their doctor about how best to manage any prescriptions.
Automotive Fluids
If you have a garage or basement where you store vehicles, make sure to store your automotive fluids such as gasoline, motor oil, antifreeze, and brake fluid away from your elderly relative. A spilled container of any of these can cause serious harm if they come into contact with the skin or are ingested.
Paints and Solvents
Many paints and solvents contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can be dangerous to breathe in. Make sure to store these in a well-ventilated area, such as a garage or shed, and never use them indoors or in a space your elderly relative will be occupying.
Ways to Organize Household Hazards
There are a few steps you can take to secure and organize household hazards. Store hazardous or poisonous items in cabinets that latch securely or are too high for your elderly relative to reach. You can also take care to label hazardous items clearly so that everyone in the house knows which items are dangerous. Finally, keep a list of all hazardous and poisonous items, including their location, in case of an emergency.
Senior Helpers Can Help Keep Your Senior Loved Ones Secure
We want to make sure that your elderly relative feels safe and secure in your home. By identifying and removing hazardous and poisonous items, you can ensure that your home is a safe and welcoming place for them. If you need help with organizing or managing your household hazards and poisonous items, contact Senior Helpers Reading today. We're here to help!