Caregiver assistance news, 06/2012

              June 2012
The Comfort of Home
NODA Area Agency on Aging
2901 North Van Buren, Enid, OK 73703
580-237-2236; 800-211-2116
Caregiver Assistance News
CARING  FOR  YOU
CARING  FOR  OTHERS
Home Safety - Bedroom & Outdoor Areas
The Bedroom
If the person in your care spends
lots of time in the bedroom, make it
comfortable, convenient and safe.
Good lighting makes a room
cheerful, makes getting around easier
and reduces the risk of falls and
medication errors. If the room doesn't
get much natural daylight, install
sturdy floor lamps (position them in
a corner where they won't be knocked
over), wall-mounted lamps or lamps
that attach firmly to the bed frame.
Avoid table lamps that can tip over,
break and cause fires. Most light
bulbs get hot, so use light fixtures that
shield the bulb from fingers. Night
lights in the bedroom, in the hallway
just outside the bedroom, and in the
nearest bathroom are also important.
For daytime naps, use light-blocking
blinds. Keep blind cords looped up or
knotted to avoid tripping hazards.
Make sure the hed is comfortable,
according to the person's preference.
Keep heaters clean and clear of
furnishings, drapes and bedding.
Sleep is enhanced when the room is
slightly cooler (about 65° F). Fresh
air is important. Crack open windows
in nice weather and air the room
frequently.
A bedside table should be sturdy,
large enough to accommodate whatever
the person needs, and at a comfortable
height and distance from the bed.
Always keep a flashlight within easy
reach. Unless the person in your care
is bedridden, encourage him or her
to sit in a comfortable chair—not the
bed—when watching TV or listening to
the radio. To avoid insomnia, the bed
should only be used for sleeping—not
eating, working or watching TV. That
same comfortable, sturdy chair is
also helpful when dressing, and can
be used as a balance or support aid
in transferring or moving around the
room.
A portable commode is helpful
for a person with limited mobility.
The portable commode (with the pail
removed) can be used over the toilet
seat and as a shower seat.
The mattress should be firm, a
comfortable height—about 22" is
good—and placed securely against a
wall. If the bed has wheels, lock them.
If blocks are used to raise its height,
make sure they are secure.
Bed guard rails may be helpful
when getting in and out of bed, but
may add to the risk of falls if the
person attempts to climb over them.
Consult with a physical therapist
about the best way to use them—if at
all—for the person in your care. A bed
cane may be a safer alternative; it has
a wooden
base that fits
between the
mattress and
box spring
and a grab
bar above.
Article continues
on page 2