Since March is patient safety Month we thought this information might be useful.
Due to the growing popularity of in-home care for seniors, it’s important to make sure you and your loved one are aware of the potential dangers present in the home for seniors living alone and prepare accordingly. You can help prevent falls and accidents by making changes to unsafe areas in the home with these tips. If you are a care-giver it would be wise to discuss all of this with your loved ones and perhaps post reminders in each room.
General Home Safety
Consider a medical alert or a buddy system
Keep a fire extinguisher and smoke detector on every floor
Always get up slowly after sitting or lying down. Take your time, and make sure you have your balance.
Wear proper fitting shoes with low heels
Use a correctly measured walking aid
Remove or tack down all scatter rugs
Remove electrical or telephone cords from traffic areas
Avoid using slippery wax on floors
Avoid standing on ladders or chairs
Have sturdy rails for all stairs inside and outside the house, or, if necessary, purchase a stairlift
Use only non-glare 100 watt or greater incandescent bulbs (or the fluorescent equivalents)
Make sure that all stair cases have good lighting with switches at top and bottom
Bathroom Safety
Leave a light on in your bathroom at night
Use recommended bath aids, securely installed on the walls of the bath/shower stall and on the sides of the toilet
Skid-proof the tub and make sure the bath mat has a non-slip bottom.
Use door locks that can be opened from both sides
If possible, bathe only when help is available.
Kitchen Safety
Keep floors clean and uncluttered
Illuminate work areas
Mark “on” and “off” positions on appliances clearly and with bright colors
Store sharp knives in a rack
Use a kettle with an automatic shut off
Store heavier objects at waist level
Store hazardous items separate from food
Source: A Place for Mom/ Connecting Families to Senior Living
