Are Your Parents Safe at Home?
by Dorie U. Sugay

More and more older Americans are choosing to stay at home rather than moving in with their children or into facilities – a win/win situation for most families. It allows the elderly to continue to hang on to their independence, and to a great extent, the adult children (sometimes with caregiver assistance) are able to continue to live their “separate lives.”
Balance in life is key – life is not just about obligations, we need to have fun in our lives – that is what Out & About helps us remember. The healthier your aging parents are, the more likely there will be room for yourself…room for fun. In this issue, we will talk about the “possible dangers” that you need to deal with to protect them from avoidable health issues. I like to call it “proactive caring” – jumping a step ahead to prevent issues.
As we age, our bodies are less efficient at detoxification; we become more like little children whose little bodies are yet incapable of warding off the attacks of toxins. People who spend a lot of time indoors are more likely to be at risk for indoor air pollution. Studies reveal that the older adults spend up to 90% of their time indoors.
The good news is that in a recent study conducted by AARP, they found that “almost 70% of Americans who are boomers and older say they are likely to purchase environmentally safe brands.” But many others just buy the brands they have heard about. As they get older, they are less prone to pay attention to risks and recommended safety precautions; it is best that we help them “pay attention” and be safe. How can we keep their houses a little more safe?

• Paint and solvents:
When used improperly, paint and paint solvents can stress one’s lungs and heart, causing irregular heartbeat, according to the EPA’s Aging Initiative. Alkyd and oil-based paints generally have higher levels of VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which can cause issues. Whenever you can, opt for VOC-free paints. Make sure that old containers aren’t left sitting around; they can leak chemicals into the air over time and most elderly tend to keep their homes pretty closed-up, thereby putting themselves at risk. Make sure the room is well ventilated. Ideally, the elderly should be taken elsewhere while you are painting.

• Cleaners:
Ammonia triggers asthma. Elements in chlorine bleach can be a lung irritant. Glycol ethers, which are used to dissolve grime and dirt, and are easily absorbed by one’s skin, can cause nerve damage. For less toxic cleaners, hydrogen peroxide, baking soda or white vinegar may be better alternatives for parents who may neglect wearing gloves when cleaning or who cannot open the windows to allow for proper ventilation.

• Pesticides:
The EPA warns that pesticides can be dangerous to those with weakened lungs or heart and that it could lead to arrhythmia or even heart attack. (American Heart’s definition of arrhythmia: disorders of the heart’s rhythmic beating). Other studies conducted by the EPA suggest that pesticide exposure may be connected to Parkinson’s disease.

• Clothing:
Now what, you ask. Well, although clothing labels are not required to list chemicals used, many permanent press fabrics and older water-repellant and flame-retardant fabrics contain formaldehyde which is an upper-respiratory irritant. Untreated clothing made of more natural fibers like cotton would be better choices in clothing.

• Furniture/draperies/carpet pads/stuffing:
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers, which are used as flame retardants in carpet pads and older stuffing in furniture and mattresses, have been known to affect the thyroid gland and the nervous and reproductive systems, so experts suggest that rips on an old couch be sewn up.

• Nonstick cooking pans:
Generally not considered a risk at normal cooking temperatures, some can release toxic chemicals if left unattended on a burner, according to a non-profit research group called Environmental Working Group. Actually, if your parents are leaving burners unattended, it may be time to get them some care-giving help or you may be dealing with fire. Forgetful-ness may be a symptom of something that you want to look into.

• Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning:
Maintaining appliances and systems can protect your parents from carbon monoxide poisoning. Keep gas appliances properly adjusted, exhaust fans working well. Have the central heating system (furnaces, flues and chimneys) regularly tuned-up. Install carbon monoxide detectors throughout their home.

There are things around the house that were not as dangerous to your parents when they were younger and their bodies could fight toxic attacks better…when they were more aware of safety precautions. Obviously, it isn’t practical to get rid of real old furniture and all the cleaning supplies; just do your due diligence. Be proactive and you will eliminate unnecessary issues and have time to go “Out & About!”

This article is written by the author independent of Visiting Angels. It is intended to educate the Community regarding some of the potential hazards an elderly may encounter in their homes. It should not be construed as an all-inclusive article.

~ Dorie Sugay is the Executive Director of Visiting Angels that provides living-assistance services to the Santa Clara and San Benito Counties.