Questions About Safety at Home

1. How can I get financial help for things like a ramp and hand rails to accomodate my disabled mother who now lives with me?

   Question - If your mother has low income (only Social Security benefits, for example) and very low assets, she might be able to qualify for your state's Medicaid program. In addition to providing some regular home care for her, it may have a program that can help pay for safety or comfort improvements to her (in this case, also your) home...
   1 Expert Answer, 10 Community Answers

2. How do I find a reputable contractor in another state?

   Question - To find a reputable contractor start by looking for a CAPS (Certified Aging in Place Specialist) in your aunt’s area. These are contractors who have been specially trained to serve the needs of people who want to continue to live at home as they age. They must be licensed and insured and abide by a a code of ethics...
   1 Expert Answer

3. What are my responsibilites as a non-senior designated apartment manage to install safety bars in bathrooms?

   Question - I don't know. I am asking you.
   1 Community Answer

4. How can I help my 82-year-old mother overcome her fear of falling?

   Question - You're right to be concerned about your mother: A fear of falling is actually a risk factor for falling. In your mother's case, her fear has led her to restrict her activities, which could lead to a decline in her physical abilities, putting her at greater risk of falling.
   1 Expert Answer

5. Should I take cigarettes away from my mother, who has Alzheimer's, for fear she'll start a fire?

   Question - Smokers with Alzheimer's are a real challenge because, with advancing age, they're already at a point when there are a lot of things they can no longer do. A caregiver always needs to be aware of that. The goal is to help your mother maintain as much of her independence as possible. Still, that has its limits...
   1 Expert Answer, 9 Community Answers

6. FAQ: How Do I Keep My Loved One From Falling on His Way to the Bathroom at Night?

   Question - There's no way to guarantee that your loved one won't fall on the way to the bathroom at night, but there are steps you can take to reduce the chance of a fall:
   FAQ 1 Expert Answer, 8 Community Answers

7. Is there a special dishwasher for the elderly?

   Question - The solution to an accessible dishwasher for seniors is to raise the dishwasher 6”-12” so that the top rack of the dishwasher is level with the adjacent countertop.
   1 Expert Answer, 2 Community Answers

8. Are Bed Rails Safe or Not?

   Question - You are right to be concerned with this situation and I am pleased that you are working to address these recurrent falls. Yes, bed rails can be dangerous, especially at night if your father were to attempt to climb over them.
   1 Expert Answer

9. Which bed alarms are the best?

   Question - The bed alarm that is available through Simply-Home has the capability to not only alert your sister that your mother has gotten out of bed during the night but keeps a record of how often and for how long she has gotten out of bed. In addition, you can install a whole range of other sensors that can...
   2 Expert Answers, 1 Community Answer

10. Does Medicare or Medicaid pay for home modifications?

    Question - The installing of a walk-in tub is a modification of a home that neither Medicare nor Medicaid usually covers. That's because it involves a physical change to the home, rather than the addition -- through purchase or rental -- of medical equipment or supplies, which Medicare Part B and Medicaid do cover...
    1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

11. Is there a tax break for home modifications?

    Question - Here in Virginia, we have a Livable Homes Tax Credit that extends a credit on state income tax up to $5,000 for improvements made to your home that increase accessibility or visitability. It also applies if you purchase a new home that has accessibility features built in...
    2 Expert Answers, 1 Community Answer

12. How can my brothers keep Mom safe in the bathroom without anyone being uncomfortable?

    Question - I am sorry to hear of your mother’s illness. Family caregivers having to assist their parents in the bathroom is an issue that sends many elders into long term care. The fact that your brothers have gone to stay with her suggests a real willingness to help. Perhaps there is more room to negotiatete than appears on the surface...
    1 Expert Answer

13. We're preparing a safe home for Mom; what else do we need?

    Question - I think it's great that you are taking your mom into your home and it's wonderful that you are planning ahead to make her living space as safe and comfortable as possible for her. Anytime you are preparing a safe home for the elderly the more advance planning you can do, the better off you and your mom will be...
    1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

14. When applying for a home improvement loan, whose income is counted?

    Question - Because your mother is the sole owner, a home improvement loan secured by the home would have to be obtained by her or someone authorized to act on her behalf such as yourself if you are acting under either the authority of a Durable Power of Attorney or a guardianship...
    1 Expert Answer

15. Will Medicare pay for a ramp into our home?

    Question - Hello,
    1 Community Answer

16. What are some home safety tips for seniors?

    Question - There are many things you can do to make your home safer for an aging loved one. As a nurse, one of the rooms where I frequently see a lot of risk factors is the bathroom.
    1 Sponsored Expert Answer

17. Where can I get an elderly home safety checklist?

    Question - There are many resources available online that offer a home safety checklist for seniors. Here are a few reliable ones for you:
    1 Sponsored Expert Answer

18. Are there any tips to help ease the hospital to home transition?

    Question - That’s a great question, because thinking about this before bringing your loved one home will make the transition easier and more successful. I think of the hospital to home transition in three stages:
    1 Expert Answer, 1 Sponsored Expert Answer

19. How should I prepare to care for my husband in case of a natural disaster?

    Question - We live in Houston, and hurricane Ike is a recent memory. My husband is now on home oxygen and uses a wheel chair outside the house. I know I need an emergency plan for when the power goes off for extended periods. Aside from keeping medications and spare oxygen cylinders handy, where should I start...

20. How do you tell a loved one that she needs to move into a nursing home before she gets hurt?

    Question - Talking with an aging parent about their need for ongoing care can be a challenge. The ideal way method is to approach the elder in the same way you would a valued friend, your peer. If your friend is blind and depressed and needs care that cannot be supplied long term by family and friends, how would you begin a discussion...
    1 Expert Answer

21. How can a senior ensure their home is safe?

    Question - Safety within the home can become a very complex question—but a good place to start is to keep it simple and use common sense. You can do a lot of good just by surveying your loved one’s home, mindfully looking for safety concerns.
    1 Sponsored Expert Answer

22. FAQ: What Kinds of Home Equipment and Modifications Are Covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or the VA?

    Question - Excellent information on paying for medical equipment and home modifications. I would add that the limits for HISA grants have been raised to $6,800 for service connected disabilities and $2,000 for non service connected disabilities.
    FAQ 2 Expert Answers

23. Where can I find the computer software that will allow me to check on seniors via the telephone?

    Question - In terms of the ability to have computer software check on seniors, take a look at FineThanx, MagnoliaPrime, Sentry Telecare, Call-Reassurance, and Justacallaway.
    1 Expert Answer

24. What are the major home safety issues for seniors?

    Question - There are many home safety issues for seniors. Most are simple to fix but require taking time to do a thorough evaluation of the risks in your loved one’s home based on his or her individual needs.
    1 Sponsored Expert Answer

25. Does anyone do home safety inspections?

    Question - Yes. Occupational therapists are qualified to do home safety inspections for a disabled client. Some home care companies also offer inspections. Right at Home, for example, includes an inspection for free when they come to your house for an initial home visit to learn what services are needed...
    1 Sponsored Expert Answer

26. What's the best way to transfer someone from a wheelchair to a vehicle?

    Question - Transferring from a wheelchair to a car seat is difficult, as it involves multiple steps. Many car seats are low to the ground, so that can pose a challenge as well, especially if someone is unsteady or has painful knees. If your mother is uncooperative, it may be because she is afraid of falling during...
    1 Expert Answer

27. Is it all right to bathe in warm water when there is a blood clot in a toe?

    Question - It's OK to bathe in warm water if the blood clot is internal (in the inside of the leg -- this is called a deep vein thrombosis) and the doctor has given the OK to getting out of bed and doing activities. If the blood clot is on the outside skin (like a wound), I'd ask the doctor before I bathed it in warm water...
    1 Expert Answer

28. How can I convince my mother to move to a safer place near me?

    Question - Many adult children are going through this same complex scenario -- when do I step in to help a parent who's living alone?
    1 Expert Answer, 2 Community Answers

29. How soon after broken hip surgery can someone climb stairs?

    Question - There is no simple answer to this question. The pace of recovery and the ability to do certain tasks varies greatly among individuals. It depends upon the person's age, strength, balance, pain control, and their ability to put full weight through their foot...
    1 Expert Answer

30. What's the best way to keep a parent with Alzheimer's safe from wandering at night?

    Question - Yes, most professionals consider this a form of neglect or abuse. It's generally not very safe and can be extremely upsetting to the person with Alzheimer’s disease. Imagine waking up in the middle of the night and not knowing where you are. You go to the door and discover it's locked. You're apt t to feel like a prisoner, which you are...
    1 Expert Answer, 3 Community Answers

31. How can I convince my mother to clean up her home so that it is safer?

    Question - What you're describing is called “hoarding” behavior in the mental health field. It's considered a form of obsessive-compulsive behavior and is very difficult to manage. There are medications that can help people control this obsessive collecting, but it can be difficult to get people to take the mee medications...
    1 Expert Answer, 6 Community Answers

32. Where can I turn to get my father some financial and housing assistance?

    Question - It’s always distressing to see evidence that an aging family member is declining. You can use what you’ve observed to begin a conversation with your grandfather with the goal of ensuring his health and safety and maintaining as much independence for him as is possible. Before you can get help for yor your grandfather, you need to talk to him...
    1 Expert Answer, 2 Community Answers

33. How Can I Convince my Brother Not to Leave His Nursing Home?

    Question - Many of our readers are struggling with this same issue -- believing we know what is best for a loved one but being unable to get that loved one to see things the same way. The bottom line is, your brother is an adult and can make his own decisions...
    1 Expert Answer

34. Is it safe to leave a parent with Alzheimer's home alone?

    Question - Depending on the type of dementia your father has and the severity of his impairment, he might be quite safe at home on his own for a long time to come. The problems faced by people with Alzheimer's disease are usually with memory, so your dad is likely to function quite well if he's in a familiar setting with an established routine and a system of reminders...
    1 Expert Answer, 21 Community Answers

35. What are some budget-friendly ways to keep my mom safe during bathing?

    Question - Think prevention. At the very least, you should have a rubber tub mat, a handheld shower hose, a tub chair, and a nonskid floor rug. If you can't afford a tub chair or bench, which cost $40 to $100, look for a small plastic chair with a back that will fit in your tub. But be cautious: Some plastic chairs are flimsy and hazardous...
    1 Expert Answer, 3 Community Answers

36. How can I stay active with vision loss?

    Question - The vision we use to avoid bumping into objects is our peripheral vision -- what we see at the edges of our vision. If your mother has lost part or all of her peripheral vision, she'll benefit from rehabilitation training to become aware of the missing area of vision...
    1 Expert Answer

37. How do I get my dad out of the bathtub?

    Question - The bathroom is the one room in the house that is most often the site of accidents that can seriously limit a senior's ability to live independently, so are are wise to be concerned for your father's safety. If taking a bath rather than a shower is something your father enjoys, there are alternative ways to get him out of the bathtub after a bath...
    2 Expert Answers, 1 Community Answer

38. Chemotherapy and parrots in the home?

    Question - Doctors often caution cancer patients to avoid contact with exotic pet birds such as parrots, parakeets, and cockatiels, because they can transmit a bacterial infection called Chlamydophila psittaci, also known as parrot fever. Because chemotherapy lowers cancer patients' white blood cell count, they need to be protected from exposure to infection...
    1 Expert Answer

39. Does money spent for home modifications count towards a Medicaid spend down?

    Question - First of all, there's nothing illegal about your father spending his money on himself. The only illegality that might come into it is if he applies for Medicaid or another government assistance program and they ask him about recent expenditures but he doesn't tell them the truth. Only a false statement would be illegal...
    1 Expert Answer

40. Can I make my parents maintain their home?

    Question - I wish someone had answered this as I too am looking for an answer. I have the funds, but so does my Mom. She just refuses to spend money on maintenance. And I resent feeling like I need to mortgage my retirement to pay for her home maintenance, which she's going to argue with me over anyway.
    1 Community Answer

41. What's my liability if my parent gets hurt or dies in their home that I live in?

    Question - The scenario you paint raises a number of interesting issues and questions.
    1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

42. How do I keep my hoarding mother safe?

    Question - Trying to keep a frail aging parent safe when they are not able to manage on their own, and do not recognize the danger of the way they are living, is an impossible task. Ultimately you will fail because there are too many things that can go wrong.
    1 Expert Answer, 2 Community Answers

43. How do I keep my mom safe at night if she gets out of bed?

    Question - It sounds as if you have done all the right things, so far, to prepare for the possibility of another fall. I would caution you to think hard about installing side railings on her bed. Frequently a memory-impaired adult, not comprehending the rails, will attempt to climb out over them causing...
    1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

44. How can we convince her it's for her independence?

    Question - When an elderly person resents safety modifications made without her permission in her own home, I have two reactions. The first is indignant. She should be grateful that her children care about her enough to ensure that her home is safe.
    1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

45. How can I safely secure the exterior doors so my mom can't get out without her caregiver knowing?

    Question - The type of locks mentioned here to safely secure doors (called double cylinder deadbolts) violate building codes if used in a residential application because of fire codes.
    2 Expert Answers, 1 Community Answer