Safety for Seniors in their Home
Where we live, be it a house, condo or apartment, it should always be a place of comfort and safety. Most people don’t realize there may be hidden dangers that could result in potentially serious injury. Telephone cords, throw rugs, and defective wiring can be life threatening, especially if you have trouble seeing or are impaired in mobility.
The best gift we can give ourselves and our elderly parents and loved ones is a safe environment. The following items should be checked and or installed in every residence:
- Install a Smoke Alarm and a Carbon Monoxide Detector
- Install clean furnace filters at the beginning of the Fall season
- Replace electrical outlets that show a smoke pattern
- Replace any frayed cords on appliances
- Use a cordless phone that can be taken anywhere in the residence
- Set the water heater temperature at 120 degrees to avoid any scalding incidents
- If the Senior lives alone, consider investing in a personal response system
- Remove clutter and loose rugs
The best way to avoid injuries or tragedies in your dwelling is to be aware of your surroundings. Make sure cords are covered with rugs, stairs are kept clutter free and furniture is arranged in a way that gives a clear walking path. Fasten loose rugs and runners so they do not bunch. Even if a Senior does not use a wheel chair, installing ramps around all the entrances of the residence will prevent a fall while exiting. Check the general condition of all stairs and repair or replace any that are uneven or in danger of breaking.
Also spend extra time looking at the bathroom. More people fall in this room than any other, and it can be fatal. Make sure there are properly installed grab bars, line the bathtub or shower with a non-slip rubber mat or abrasive strips, and in case of a blackout, have battery operated lights. Make sure there are night lights in the bedroom and a lamp near the bed. Keep a list of emergency numbers in large print by every phone extension and make sure the house, apartment or condo number is large enough to be read by emergency personnel.
Perform a monthly inspection of the residence so if something even remotely resembles a hazard correct it immediately. Don’t wait until something happens to address an issue. Use your common sense, and keep everyone safe.
