Avoiding an Accident - Maintaining a Safe Home

Poor eyesight, decreased hearing, and impaired balance are all common causes of unnecessary accidents.  In fact, in-home trips and falls are the most common cause of serious injury in the aged, causing 6,500 deaths each year.  However, many of these accidents are preventable with simple, inexpensive modifications to the home and annual health evaluations.  Below are some suggestions on maintaining a safe home.

• Have your vision checked yearly.  Depth perception decreases with age, which can cause unnecessary falls.

• Illuminate stairways.  Obstacles on stairways are a preventable hazard.  Install light switches at the top and bottom of stairs.

• Use a night light in the hallway to avoid trips and falls during late night trips to the bathroom.

• Use a non-skid bathmat or chair both inside and outside of the bathtub to avoid falls.