As a caregiver for seniors with vision impairment, you know how challenging it can be to ensure a safe and comfortable home environment. Sometimes, our loved ones are at a greater risk of accidental poisoning even in their homes due to their worsening eyesight.
At Senior Helpers North Metro Atlanta, we understand your concerns. We have put together this guide to help you navigate the challenge of removing poisonous items from seniors' homes in the Atlanta, Marietta, Alpharetta, and Roswell areas. Let's discuss common household poisons, items to remove from the home, and tips for safely storing potentially hazardous materials. Keep reading to learn more.
What Are Common Household Poisons?
Common household poisons can be found in many everyday items, from cleaning supplies and medications to food items like nuts and berries. Chemicals like formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, and lead paint fumes are also included in this list of dangerous substances. In addition, multivitamins, iron supplements, perfumes, and alcohol can be toxic if ingested in large amounts.
While many of these substances can be found in almost any home, seniors with impaired vision may be at a greater risk of coming into contact with them. Luckily, there are steps you can take as a caregiver to ensure your loved one's safety.
Items to Remove from the Home
To ensure the safety of your loved one, it's essential to remove any potentially hazardous items from the living areas. This includes:
- Cleaning supplies
- Medications not labeled in large, clear print
- Food items that may be toxic if ingested in large amounts
- Items containing formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, and lead paint
How to Safely Store Potentially Poisonous Items
Once you remove hazardous items from the living areas, you should store them safely to reduce the risk of accidental ingestion or contact. All dangerous items should be kept in a locked area, out of reach of seniors. Additionally, items should be labeled clearly and in large print to avoid confusion.
For items you can't remove, such as medication bottles and food items, you can repackage them in clear containers with large, easy-to-read labels. This helps to ensure that your loved one will not confuse a potentially dangerous item with a safe one. The repackaging also prevents accidental ingestion and contact with hazardous items.
Need Help Caring for a Senior with Vision Impairment?
Keeping poisonous items out of the home is part of providing a safe and comfortable environment for seniors with vision impairment. As a caregiver, you can help to ensure your senior loved one's safety by removing potentially hazardous items and safely repackaging and storing them away.
If you need help caring for a senior in the Atlanta, Marietta, Alpharetta, and Roswell areas, contact Senior Helpers North Metro Atlanta. We provide compassionate in-home senior care and can help you to create a safe and comfortable home environment for your loved one.