December 19, 2016 by Anas Mustafa
Serving as a personal caregiver requires more than helping with food preparation, dispensing medication in the right quantities and at the right time, and assisting with doctor appointments.
In fact, one of your primary roles as a personal caregiver is to ensure that the home of the person you’re caring for is safe. Depending on the age, mobility and mental capacity of the person you’re administering care to, you may need to take certain precautions so that the home is a safe environment.
What follows are five security tips for a personal caregiver. So read on to learn how to be the best caregiver you can be.
The last thing you want is for your loved one to accidentally lock himself or herself in a bedroom or bathroom, so your best option to prevent this from happening is to remove locks on the interior doors. Any big box store will offer replacement door knobs for relatively inexpensive prices.
Home security systems are not just for keeping criminals out of your home; they can also keep those inside your home safe by notifying you if anyone leaves. If you’re caring for a loved one who, for instance, is prone to exiting the home when he or she should not do so, then installing a home security system can give you a way of knowing if a door is opened. In addition to this, you can install cameras to keep track of where your loved one is.
When it comes to creating a safe environment, you can’t overlook the flooring. Install either non-skid strips or non-skid wax in strategic locations so that you can safeguard against slipping. While you’re at it, you should also use non-slip strips in the bathroom, particularly in the tub or shower.
Storing medication in a secure location is a good idea. If the person you’re providing care to is confused, he or she may inadvertently use the medication improperly. So it’s best for you to keep it in a safe place so that it doesn’t get in the wrong hands.
Be sure to remove any and all tripping hazards. That means removing telephone cords or electrical cords that might otherwise contribute to a fall.
You definitely want to be the best personal caregiver you can be for your loved one. By following the above recommendations, you’ll be able to create a safe environment for the person in your care.
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