What is carbon monoxide?

Knowing what carbon monoxide is and how it affects the body is just as important as finding ways to avoid it. It is a colorless, odorless gas that is given off when things are burned, especially organic matter. It is naturally found in air in very low levels, but when it becomes concentrated it can cause health problems or even death. While everyone is susceptible to its effects, there are those that are more at risk, including:

*Children and the elderly

*Those with respiratory conditions, such as asthma or emphysema; cardiovascular disease; or anemia

*Someone engaging in strenuous physical activity

Carbon monoxide poisoning is more likely to occur in the winter months when space heaters and furnaces are used. At the same time, ventilation is often compromised through home winterization efforts. Because it has no smell or color, people can continue to breathe it in over long periods of time without knowing.

Causes of increased levels

Just about any combustible appliance that isn’t running properly has the possibility of increasing carbon monoxide levels in a house. To avoid this:

*Have heating systems and water heaters inspected annually by a technician qualified to issue gas safety certificates

*Never use a gas range or oven for heating

*If using combustible space heaters, use proper fuel

Symptoms

Recognizing the early signs of carbon monoxide poisoning can help prevent any of the serious effects from developing. The symptoms will worsen the longer the person is exposed and the higher the concentration. Elderly people, or those in poor health, will be particularly susceptible.

*Early signs – Mild headaches and breathlessness during moderate exercise

*Later signs – Severe headaches, dizziness, tiredness and nausea

*Most severe – Confusion, irritability, impaired judgment and loss of memory and coordination.

Since many of the signs mimic aging or illness, it can be difficult to determine if they are the result of those or carbon monoxide poisoning. Symptoms will disappear when time is spent away from the home if they are due to increased levels of carbon monoxide.

Detectors

Perhaps the easiest way to prevent an elderly parent from succumbing to the dangerous gas is to properly install detectors specifically designed for it.

*Install one detector on each floor where sleeping occurs

*An additional detector should be placed near combustible appliances, such as a gas oven or water heaters

*They should be placed near the ceiling to be most effective

Finding ways to prevent carbon monoxide levels from increasing in an aging parent’s home is important, but knowing what to look for if concentrations do rise can be just as vital. Peace of mind can be found with just a little prevention and knowledge.

Mike Genner writes for a company that provides gas certificates for landlords and encourages all homeowners to have their heating appliances professionally inspected every year. He believes it is essential to take safety precautions to protect the elderly and vulnerable from the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Top quality German no-slip stickers

From the manufacturer:

These high-quality translucent stickers are easy to apply to your shower or bathtub and just as easily detached, even after many years. The anti-skid set contains 10 non-slip stickers which are 10cm (3.94 inches) in diameter and are made in Germany. No matter what colour your bathtub or shower is, the anti-slip circles are fully transparent and thus almost invisible. The material is limescale repellent. Mold and other fungi will not develop on the surface of the safety sticker. Hence there will be no discoloration. With less than one millimeter in thickness, the quality adhesive see-through stickers are ultra-thin. With these adhesive pads you will no longer fear slipping in your bathroom, they securely guard against serious injury. With sufficient amount of skid-proof stickers, there will be no more sliding in the bathroom, as they even bond to tiles. The slip-resistant effect will ease your worries when it comes to safety in the bathroom. Children, elderly or disabled people can stand or sit in a skid-resistant bathtub or shower basin.

As confirmed by all our customers, the foothold is outstanding. As this item will be sent from Germany, please allow up to two weeks for delivery.

Disclaimer: Anti slip stickers are proven safeguards against accidents on slippery surfaces. However, the manufacturer cannot be held liable should a slip accident occur.

Customer notes:

Customers agree these are top quality stickers, but advise that you might want to order two sets.

The cost of a slip and fall injury in your bath or shower is likely to be a lot more than the cost of two packets of stickers.

Shower chairs help the elderly shower more safely

One of the most dangerous home environments for an elderly person is in the bathroom. In fact, it’s dangerous for people of all ages, with the American National Safety Council estimating that 70% of accidents that take place in the home occur in the bathroom interior. Another rather disturbing figure is that 75% of slip-and-fall deaths that take place in the home occur among people over 65.

The shower and bath areas are particular dangerous for the old and infirm due to the unavoidable wet and slippery surfaces. However, shower and bath time need not be a dangerous time for elderly relatives with a few simple safety additions. One of these is a shower chair, which can be installed into just about any type of shower stall and bathtub. A chair of this type will allow the older person to sit while cleansing their body and thus reduce the strain and possibilities of slipping and falling.

Most shower chairs are made from strengthened plastic seating with a strong and sturdy metal framework. The plastic material is comfortable against the bare skin and is smooth to the touch, thus providing ease of manoeuvrability. Some shower chairs are built in much the same way as a bench and are designed to span the rim of a bathtub or shower stall, thereby allowing the elderly person to gently glide over into position. These are called shower transfer benches.

Another benefit of the plastic and metal combination is the lightweight nature of the chair. This means an elderly relative can move the shower chair themselves, into whatever position they so desire, before and after the washing session. Of course, the light weight also helps family and/or professional caregivers who might help with the showering or bathing process and reduces the amount of lifting and moving often associated with caring for an older person. Some chairs even come with wheels.

Many elderly people live very active lives, even when frail and suffering from disabilities. Folding shower chairs provide an easy way to take the chair on vacation, whether by plane, car or even cruise ship. They can simply be placed in the back of a car and taken with the family when visiting friends or travelling to faraway lands. Foldaway shower chairs are also beneficial for smaller bathrooms as they can be collapsed and placed into a cupboard or against a wall.

If you are an elderly person and are increasingly worried about showering and bathing, then a shower chair is going to be a highly beneficial aid for your bathroom needs. For relatives of elderly and infirm parents who are continually worried about their mother or father slipping and falling when washing, a shower chair is going to put your mind at ease and will also help you during any caring activities.

About the author: Edward is a professionally trained Interior Designer with a special interest in making the home interior safe for young children and the elderly. One of his websites is Shower Chairs for the Elderly which highlights the varieties and benefits of shower and bath seating.

If you are able to make some of the changes listed below in your parents’ home environment, you will have peace of mind in knowing that you have provided Mom and Dad with the safety they need to continue living independently.

Be Cautious with Steps

The stairs are one location where accidents can easily happen. If your parents live in a ranch-style home, that is all to the good. But if they have stairs to climb, it can present a problem, especially if they have any limits to their mobility. Here are a few pointers on how to handle stairs:

* All stairways should have a handrail.

* Steps need to have proper illumination, with a light switch at both the top and bottom of the staircase.

* If the stairs are not carpeted, each step should have some type of tread for easy traction.

* Residential stair lifts are a great way for elderly individuals to safely ascend and descend the stairs.

Minimize Problems in the Kitchen

The kitchen is another location where proper precautions should be taken. A few simple pointers will help to make the kitchen area a safer spot for elderly parents:

* Cabinets should be easily accessible so that senior citizens do not need to reach up high in order to get an item.

* For those with arthritic hands, faucets that turn on and off easily will be a blessing.

* The floor should be of a material that is easy to clean, such as vinyl or linoleum. Never use scatter rugs, as they can slide and cause serious injury.

* Ovens, stovetops and all other kitchen appliances should always be kept in perfect working order and should be user-friendly, so that the elderly will not have a problem operating them.

Beware of Bathrooms

Accidents can occur in the bathroom even to those who are not elderly. Safety measures will need to be taken to ensure that senior citizens will have a safer lavatory.

* Walk-in showers are beneficial for older individuals, as there will not be a high tub to step over. There should always be safety bars in the shower and tub area for grasping and holding onto when getting in and out. These bars should also be by the toilet.

* Seats can be purchased that are designed for use in the shower. They will prove to be very beneficial for those who cannot stand in the shower for any length of time.

* Ensure that shower doors do not allow any water seepage onto the floor.

By properly age-proofing your parents’ residence, they will have a safe environment in which to enjoy their golden years, and you will have the peace of mind that you’ve adapted their home to minimize the risk of an accident.

Guest blogger Claire Bradshaw has written a number of articles offering advice to baby-boomers caring for aging parents. She has a website that provides information about straight stair lifts and advice on things to consider when carrying out home adaptations for elderly people with limited mobility.

Falls are the biggest cause of injuries in people over 65. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control says that 1 out of 3 people over 65 will fall each year. Falls result in injuries and even deaths. For many, a drastic fall spells the end of their independence and puts a big strain on their health. Avoiding falls is very important for ensuring a long and happy life.

photo credit: tico24

Some of the ways of avoiding falls are expensive. For example, installing a stairlift on a staircase will make it easier to avoid falling on the stairs.

But there are inexpensive solutions, too. One of the best? Remove all throw rugs. According to an article by the Associated Press, removing throw rugs is the single most important thing you can do to reduce falls, particularly in the bathroom.

Here are a few more inexpensive tips from that same article.

• make sure all carpeting is secure and flat
• add non-skid adhesive in the tub. Use a plastic shower chair. Raised toilet seats also help
• Add handrails in trouble areas
• Don’t wax your kitchen floor
• Watch out for high thresholds in doorways
• Don’t leave clutter on the floor!