Keeping Your Loved Ones Safe

Mitigating Risk and Increasing Safety for Older Adults

Older adults deserve to feel safe and be safe in the comfort of their own homes. Commonwise Home Care makes that possible. With oversight from a registered nurse Care Manager, our caregivers are highly skilled and trained to not just mitigate risk, but enhance the overall safety of your loved one. With a deep commitment to care and a “hospitality-first” mindset, Commonwise offers assurance and support for those you cherish most. 

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Preventing Falls

Commonwise caregivers and RN Care Managers are trained in fall prevention strategies. This includes anticipating and removing hazards, conducting home safety assessments, encouraging physical activity and exercise, regularly assessing vision and hearing, keeping an eye out for prescriptions that may increase fall risk, and establishing an emergency fall response plan.

Did you know?

  • Approximately 1 in 4 older adults falls each year

  • Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and non-fatal injuries among the elderly

  • After one fall, the chance of falling again doubles

  • At 81, Emily’s arthritis began impacting her ability to move comfortably around her two-story home. After the passing of her husband, Emily’s children contacted Commonwise with concerns about her safety. Emily and her family were immediately connected with both an RN Care Manager and Commonwise caregivers.

    After conducting a thorough home assessment and identifying fall hazards, Emily’s RN Care Manager secured loose rugs, cleared obstructed pathways, and coordinated the installation of handrails. Emily’s caregivers were tasked with helping her strengthen her legs, accompanying Emily on daily walks, and supporting mobility and strength exercises. They also ensured Emily always wore non-slip shoes or socks, particularly on stairs and wood floors.

    Over several weeks, Emily grew more confident moving around her home. Seeing both the renewed strength in their mother and the vigilance of her caregivers, Emily’s children were reassured that their mother was safer and at ease in her own home.

Inspiring Social Interaction

Social isolation in older adults can lead to depression, cognitive decline, and physical health issues. The Commonwise team goes beyond caregiving to provide true companionship, engaging in meaningful social connection supported by our genuine interest and care for the emotional lives of older adults. To mitigate the risk of social isolation, Commonwise encourages frequent and purposeful interactions, community engagement, outreach to family and friends, participating in hobbies and interests, and promoting social physical activities.

  • After losing her husband following her 85th birthday, Maggie began canceling plans, ignoring phone calls, and withdrawing from the people that used to bring her comfort and connection. Concerned by Maggie’s isolation and its impact on her health, Maggie’s daughter contacted Commonwise Home Care.

    Commonwise matched Maggie with a caregiver famous for her empathetic and engaging personality. She initiated daily social interactions with Maggie, including conversations about gardening and knitting—two of Maggie’s long forgotten favorite hobbies. Maggie’s caregiver facilitated video calls with her family and friends, rekindling connections that had waned since her husband’s passing. She also accompanied Maggie to local community events where Maggie forged new friendships and regained a sense of purpose.

    Maggie’s mood and overall well-being improved significantly. She looked forward to daily interactions with her care team, and became motivated each day to make a meaningful impact on the people around her. Maggie’s daughter couldn’t believe the transformation—it felt like she had her old mom back.

Encouraging Personal Hygiene

Neglecting personal hygiene in older adults can lead to serious health issues, decreased self-esteem, and social withdrawal. Commonwise caregivers prioritize dignity and respect in assisting with personal care tasks, creating a safe and comfortable environment, compassionate reminders, skin health monitoring, and regular schedules, ensuring older adults maintain good hygiene and grooming habits. 

  • George, a 76 year-old with limited mobility due to arthritis, began to struggle with basic hygiene tasks. Concerned with his well-being and dignity, his daughter contacted Commonwise Home Care for assistance.

    Commonwise assigned a caregiver with experience and tact in the field of personal hygiene support. She worked with George to establish a comfortable routine for bathing, grooming, and dressing, respecting his preferences and promoting his independence as much as possible.

    Not only did George’s physical health improve, but his self-esteem skyrocketed. The careful attention to his personal hygiene needs improved his quality of life and gave his daughter peace of mind.

Assisting with Physical Disabilities

Physical disabilities in older adults can limit their mobility and independence. Commonwise caregivers are proficient in assisting with physical disabilities, offering tailored support to enhance mobility, ensure safety, and maintain independence. Their compassionate care includes mobility and transfer assistance, home safety modifications, physical therapy support, adaptive equipment usage, and personal care assistance.

  • Richard, a 79 year-old stroke survivor, struggled with limited mobility on his left side that made his daily activities much harder to navigate safely. Wanting to make sure their father remained independent without sacrificing his wellbeing, Richard’s children engaged the help of Commonwise Home Care.

    Richard’s RN Care Manager conducted a home safety assessment and made essential modifications like installing grab bars in the bathroom and rearranging furniture for easier navigation. His caregiver worked closely with his physical therapist to assist with recommended mobility and strength exercises, and helped Richard master the use of his cane.

    With improved mobility and strength, Richard found himself more independent than ever. As Richard regained the confidence to perform his daily activities and became empowered by his newfound strength, his children felt assured that his future would be safe and enjoyable.

Maintaining the Household

Staying on top of household tasks is essential to creating a safe and healthy living environment. To ensure older adults not only remain in their home but thrive, Commonwise caregivers assist with basic household tasks like light housekeeping, laundry, meal preparation, kitchen maintenance, clutter reduction, and safety checks. This keeps our client’s most cherished spaces safe and clean.

  • Alice, living alone at 82, faced the daunting challenge of maintaining her home with the added difficulty of declining eyesight. Small tasks like cleaning, laundry, and organizing, once routine, had become overwhelming obstacles. Noticing the gradual decline in the home’s upkeep, Alice’s son grew concerned about the safety and comfort of his mom. Recognizing the need for support, he contacted Commonwise Home Care.

    Commonwise matched Alice with an RN Care Manager known for her efficiency, organization, and attention to detail. Her first task was to familiarize herself with Alice’s home and daily routines to identify the areas that most needed attention. She organized a systematic cleaning schedule to tackle the obstructed hallways, baskets of laundry, and cluttered kitchen. Items were thoughtfully placed to minimize risk of falls and maximize ease of use, making each space feel more like the home Alice once took pride in.

    Over time, Alice’s home became a place of safety, not stress. Her clothes we always clean, dishes always done, and living areas tidy. The cleanliness and order of the home significantly reduced the risk of accidents, but more importantly, Alice had a renewed sense of pride in her home.

Supporting Cognition

Cognitive decline in older adults can lead to challenges in daily function and introduce unexpected safety risks. With caregivers specially trained to manage cognitive challenges, Commonwise can provide the structure and support strategies your loved one needs to stay safe and engaged. These include consistent routines, cognitive activities like puzzles and light reading, social interaction, a tailored care plan that accounts for their abilities and preferences, and regular communication with their healthcare providers.

  • At 82, Helen’s Alzheimer’s began significantly impacting her ability to manage daily activities and stay safe in her own home. Her daughter was concerned that Helen shouldn’t be alone in the house, but moving her family across state lines to become her mother’s caregiver just wasn’t possible.

    Helen’s daughter found Commonwise and was immediately comforted by the speed and quality of care. Helen’s RN Care Manager had tons of experience in dementia care and quickly established a structured daily routine that incorporated activities Helen enjoyed like gardening and listening to music. Helen’s caregiver introduced cognitive exercises like puzzles and memory games, also ensuring her environment remained safe and easy to navigate at all times.

    With the informed and consistent approach of Helen’s RN Care Manager and caregiver, Helen maintained a level of independence longer than doctors and family expected. Her mood improved, and her level of engagement in daily activities increased.

    Though she couldn’t physically be by her mother’s side, Helen’s daughter felt a sense of pride that her mother was in such good hands. She no longer worried about her mom’s safety, and even found herself being more present at work and with her family—a sense of normalcy renewed.

Managing Medications

Because we’re more prone to mistakes like incorrect medication dosage and timing as we age, Commonwise caregivers are vigilant and detail-oriented in the practice of medication reminders. Our RN Care Management team is trained to implement medication reviews with providers, structure medication schedules, supervise medication administration, and provide educational support, all while encouraging independence where appropriate.

  • At 80, Anne was taking a variety of medications for several chronic conditions including hypertension and arthritis. After Anne expressed frustration with her complex medication regimen, her daughter became concerned about the potential for medication errors and reached out to Commonwise for assistance.

    Commonwise began work with Anne by assigning a dedicated RN Care Manager and a caregiver with experience in medication reminders. The RN Care Manager conducted a comprehensive review of Anne’s medication list, and consulted with her doctor to ensure accuracy and understanding. Anne’s RN Care Manager also set up a pill organizer and categorized medications by day, time, and dosage, displaying a clear medication schedule in Anne’s kitchen. Anne’s caregiver oversaw medication intake and followed an established routine to check Anne’s blood pressure regularly and keep a log for doctor’s appointments. Anne’s side effects were monitored and her care team offered valuable insight about each medication’s usage and benefits.

    Both Anne and her family became far more confident in Anne’s medication routine. Not only could they be sure each medication would be taken at the right time and in the right dosage, they also knew more about why Anne was taking each medication, and how to know if it was time to reassess with her doctors.

Nourishing From the Inside Out

Poor nutrition and weight loss can put older adults at significant risk of accelerated mental and physical decline. To help our clients meet and enjoy their dietary requirements, Commonwise RN Care Managers and caregivers use several healthy diet strategies like personalized meal planning, grocery shopping assistance, nutrition education, food intake monitoring, hydration encouragement, and social dining experiences.

  • After a recent visit, Neil’s children noticed their 84 year-old father looked thin and wasn’t eating regularly. A recent widow, Neil found it easier to opt for convenience, choosing quick meals that rarely provided the nutrients he needed. Recognizing the need for change, Neil’s family began working with Commonwise to improve their father’s diet and overall health.

    Neil was assigned a caregiver with a passion for cooking meals that nourished both the body and spirit. She began by assessing Neil’s nutritional needs and favorite foods, collaborating with his RN Care Manager to create a personalized meal plan that met all of Neil’s dietary requirements. With a lively, food-savvy caregiver at his side, Neil actually began to enjoy grocery shopping again. Instead of being a chore, it became an enjoyable outing where he could explore new meals and invest in himself. He even befriended the deli employee, who looked forward to hearing all about what new food Neil was trying this week.

    Over time, Neil’s nutritional intake improved. He regained some lost weight, his energy levels increased, and he showed a renewed interest in daily activities. Not only could his children worry less about his health, they were able to witness and enjoy their father’s newfound love of cooking.

Preparing for Emergencies

Every second counts in a critical situation. Commonwise caregivers are trained to respond with speed and strategy, providing immediate coordination with emergency response services as needed. RN Care Managers can work with families to develop emergency plans, organize essential information like medical records and emergency contacts, promote regular safety checks, and advise on the use of safety devices like medical alert systems and fall detectors.

  • Aging in place was extremely important to Thomas, an 88 year-old with a history of heart conditions. His daughter, supportive of his decision but concerned for his safety, reached out to Commonwise to make sure her father had support in an emergency situation.

    Commonwise matched Thomas with a RN Care Manager trained in emergency response who crafted an emergency plan for Thomas, including an easily accessible folder of important medical records and a list of essential emergency contacts.

    Not long after, Thomas experienced a minor cardiac event. His caregiver, well-prepared and armed with the emergency plan, quickly accessed all necessary information and reached out to emergency services and his emergency contacts. Thomas received prompt medical care, preventing a much more severe health outcome.