Accidents and injuries can happen to anyone, but senior citizens are at higher risk than the population as a whole, and the effects are likely to be more severe. All seniors should have a first aid kit in their home and vehicle, and caregivers should make sure that supplies are available and should know how to use them.
Older People Are Susceptible to Injuries and Illness
As people age, their strength, balance, coordination, eyesight, and hearing tend to decline. That can significantly increase the chance of an accident occurring. When an accident happens, an older person is more likely to suffer broken bones, head trauma, significant blood loss, and serious burns than an individual who is younger and in better overall health.
Senior citizens generally take medications to treat one or more conditions. Those drugs can cause side effects, such as dizziness, sleepiness, and confusion, which can increase the risk of an accident.
Sometimes older adults get confused and forget to take their medications or take too much. Either scenario can lead to an accident, such as a fall, or a medical emergency.
A First Aid Kit for Seniors Should Include Essential Supplies and Personal Information
Any first aid kit should contain bandages, gauze, tweezers, hot and cold packs, over-the-counter medications, and other basics. Many older adults have medical conditions that require specific forms of care and types of equipment. For example, a person with diabetes needs blood sugar testing equipment. Those types of supplies should be included in a first aid kit.
For senior citizens and other people with chronic medical conditions, including up-to-date personal information in a first aid kit can be extremely helpful in the event of an emergency. First responders and doctors will need to know about any medical conditions the person has and any medications the individual takes, as well as the dosages and frequency.
A first aid kit should also include information on the senior citizen’s doctors and the individual’s insurance. If the person does not live with family, having relatives’ contact information in a first aid kit can help medical professionals or an in-home caregiver get in touch with loved ones in the event of an emergency. This information should be updated whenever anything changes.
The home should have at least one first aid kit or cabinet located in a place where it will be easy for anyone to access supplies when needed. A vehicle should also have a portable first aid kit. Anyone who cares for an older individual should receive at least basic first aid training.
Order a First Aid Kit for Seniors
1st Aid Supplies offers first aid kits and cabinets that contain essential supplies that can be used to treat a wide range of common injuries and conditions. If your loved one does not currently have a first aid kit, order one today.
