Top Hidden Household Hazards for Elderly Loved Ones: What You Need to Know

If you're caring for an elderly loved one, their safety and well-being are likely your top priorities. While you may have already taken steps to create a comfortable and secure environment, certain household hazards can still pose significant risks—especially in older homes. These dangers are often overlooked, but with a little extra vigilance, you can minimize the risk and ensure your loved one’s home is as safe as possible.

As the weather cools and everyone spends more time indoors, be on the lookout for five common household hazards.

1. Carbon Monoxide: The Silent Killer

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas that can be fatal if inhaled in large quantities. It’s produced by common household appliances such as gas stoves, heaters, and fireplaces when they malfunction or are not properly ventilated. Unfortunately, CO is almost impossible to detect without the help of a carbon monoxide alarm, making it one of the most dangerous hazards in any home.

To protect your elderly loved one, make sure to install carbon monoxide detectors throughout their home, especially near bedrooms and any fuel-burning appliances. These alarms can prevent headaches, dizziness, weakness, shortness of breath, and even death by alerting you to the presence of dangerous CO levels before it's too late.

2. Radon: An Invisible Threat

Another hazardous gas that can silently infiltrate your loved one’s home is radon. Like carbon monoxide, radon is both colorless and odorless, making it impossible to detect without specialized equipment. However, unlike CO, radon occurs naturally and seeps into homes from the ground, particularly in areas with high concentrations of uranium in the soil.

Radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, behind smoking. Fortunately, radon is easy to test for using a simple radon test kit available at most hardware stores. If your loved one’s home tests positive for high levels of radon, a professional radon mitigation system can be installed to reduce the gas to safe levels.

3. Asbestos: A Hidden Legacy of Older Homes

Asbestos, once a common material used in construction for insulation and fireproofing, is now known to be highly dangerous. When disturbed, asbestos fibers can become airborne and, when inhaled over time, can cause severe lung conditions, including asbestosis and mesothelioma.

Homes built before the 1980s are most likely to contain asbestos in places like ceiling tiles, floor tiles, insulation, and roofing materials. If you suspect your loved one’s home may contain asbestos, it’s essential to consult a certified asbestos professional to assess the situation. Never attempt to remove asbestos yourself, as doing so can release harmful fibers into the air.

4. Lead: More Than Just Paint

Lead poisoning is a well-known danger, particularly in homes built before 1978, when the U.S. banned lead-based paint for residential use. However, lead can also be found in plumbing and certain building materials. While lead is generally safe when left undisturbed, it becomes hazardous if ingested, particularly for older adults with weaker immune systems.

If your loved one’s home was built before the 1980s, you might want to consider having their water tested for lead, particularly if the pipes are old. Lead-based paint, if chipping or peeling, should be addressed by a professional to avoid any risk of ingestion.

5. Smoke Detectors: First Line of Defense Against Fire

Although smoke detectors are a common safety feature in most homes, they only provide protection if they’re properly installed and maintained. It’s crucial to ensure that smoke detectors are placed throughout the home, particularly in bedrooms and living areas, not just in the kitchen.

Make it a habit to test the smoke alarms each month and replace the batteries at least twice a year. A good rule of thumb is to change the batteries when daylight saving time begins and ends. Consider installing interconnected smoke alarms, so if one alarm is triggered, all the alarms in the home will sound, providing an added layer of protection.

Protecting Your Loved One from Household Hazards

As caregivers, it's easy to become overwhelmed with the day-to-day responsibilities of looking after an elderly loved one. However, taking the time to address these often-overlooked hazards can provide peace of mind and help prevent serious accidents or health issues.

By installing carbon monoxide detectors, testing for radon and asbestos, addressing any lead-related risks, and maintaining smoke alarms, you’ll create a much safer environment for your loved one to thrive in.

If you have any questions about caring for an elderly loved one or you need additional support, Kimbrough Law is here to help. Our team understands the unique challenges of elder care and is ready to provide assistance. Give us a call at 706.850.6910, and let us support you in keeping your loved one safe.