Ensure Safety for Seniors and Their Furry Companions With These 4 Tips

Our furry friends can help older people reduce stress and anxiety, and even lower blood pressure. However, more than 87,000 Americans land in the emergency room annually because a pet got underfoot. To fully enjoy the unconditional love and companionship that dogs and cats bring into the lives of seniors, it’s vital to implement some home safety tips.

1: Post Veterinarian Contact Information

When a beloved pet becomes sick or injured, people often anxiously scramble to find the vet’s phone number. In all the excitement, it’s not uncommon for a senior to slip, fall, and sustain a hard impact. As with the contact information for their physician and other emergency services, it’s a good idea to post the vet’s number on the refrigerator or another easy-to-find place.

2: Post Helpful Pet Care Reminders

It may come as something of a surprise, but people begin to experience natural memory loss after turning 50 years old. So, it’s not surprising for our valued elders to sometimes be unsure of whether dogs and cats have been adequately fed and walked daily. Consider integrating a reminder system regarding food, water and pet exercise. A well-cared-for pet will reciprocate with affection.

3: Make Sure Pet Necessities Are Easily Accessible

It may also be prudent to transfer dry pet food from large bags into small, easy-to-open containers kept in an accessible area. Avoid the need to bend and lift awkwardly whenever possible and place supports such as modestly sized handrails to offset the possibility of a back strain. 

Keep water bowls and food bowls out of the way so seniors don’t trip over them. Using an elevated feeder that is tucked in a corner is a great option for elderly people with pets. Leashes and collars should be hung in an easily accessible spot, but high enough to avoid a tripping hazard.    

4: Install Handrails for Seniors

One of the primary risk areas for pet-related falls involves stairways. Leashed pets tend to wrap around people when they become excited to go for a walk or when a visitor knocks on the door. Doorways, ramps and awkward spaces are good places to install handrails for seniors to ensure they have something firm to grip while negotiating exuberant pets.

Hold-Tight Handrails Provide Seniors With Valuable Support

Hold-Tight Handrails are ideally designed to give older Americans the physical support necessary to prevent hard-impact falls and back strains. The durable, weight-bearing handrails are Made in America and can be seamlessly installed where our valued elders need them the most. If you or a loved one plan to age in place with a four-legged family member, contact Hold-Tight Handrails today to learn about our Lifetime Guarantee.

 SHOP ALL HANDRAILS

Sources:
https://bethesdahealth.org/blog/2019/09/17/senior-home-safety-keeping-your-pet-while-you-
age-in-place/
https://www.peaceagingcare.com/pet-safety-for-older-adults/
https://www.alert-1.com/resources/pets-and-safety-for-seniors/1442