It is possible your parent has smoked most of his or her life. In their younger years, the health dangers of smoking were not as well known. Over the years, they chose not to listen to the Surgeon General’s warnings and enjoyed smoke breaks despite some of their health issues. Now in their senior years, you are concerned, and you and your siblings believe it is best for your parent to quit smoking. In addition to health concerns, you now having growing safety concerns.

Hiring a home caregiver might be helpful in supporting your parent with safety issues related to smoking. You have noticed that your mom or dad has left cigarettes burning after lighting them, which, if left unattended in a precarious spot, could lead to an accidental fire. If your parent has tremors or is unsteady due to arthritis or another illness, you may be concerned that a cigarette may accidentally drop when he or she is trying to light or hold one. Your loved one may not be as cable of moving as quickly as they once did, and accidentally dropping a cigarette on the floor could result in a fire, burn or damage to household items like rugs or furniture.

The home caregiver can set some boundaries for your mom or dad and help wean them off smoking or possibly stop cold turkey. There are numerous medications, patches and gums to assist in this process and a home care worker can help remind your loved one to continue utilizing those tools. It is possible mom or dad has no concept that they are accident-prone and may be causing danger not just to themselves but to others. Dropped ash or a cigarette left burning can destroy a home and the occupants in that house.