Home Safety for Older Adults

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As we get older, ensuring our safety at home becomes increasingly more important. Poor eyesight and hearing can decrease awareness of hazards while impaired coordination and balance can result in trips and falls. These in-home trips and falls are the most common causes of serious injury for older adults, causing 6,700 deaths each year. Taking even a few precautionary measures can greatly reduce the risk of injury in the home. Here are some suggestions:

· Illuminate all stairways, and place light switches at both the bottom and top of stairs.

· Have handrails on both sides of the stairway.

· Use only carpet which is tacked down, get rid of throw rugs.

· Arrange furniture so there are no obstacles.

· Do not use your hallways or stairwells for storage.

· Use the grab bars on bathroom walls and non-skid mats or strips in the bathtub.

· Wear good shoes with non-skid soles.

· Keep outdoor steps and walkways in good repair and spread sand on icy walkways.

Electrical and Fire Safety

· Keep lamp, extension and telephone cords out of the flow of traffic and out from beneath furniture, rugs and carpeting.

· Electrical cords should be kept in good condition, no fraying or cracking.

· All outlets and switches should have cover plates, with no wiring exposed.

· Make sure towels, curtains and other flammable items are located away from the range.

· Wear clothes with short or close fitting sleeves when cooking.

· Unplug small appliances such as hair dryers, shavers, curling irons, etc. when not in use.

· Keep chimneys clear from accumulations of leaves, and other debris that can clog them.

· Smoke detectors should be properly located on each level of the home. The batteries should be checked annually and the detectors should be checked regularly.

· Have an emergency exit plan and an alternative emergency exit plan.

General Safety

· Post emergency numbers on or near the telephone.

· Keep good, even lighting over the stove, sink and counter top work areas, especially where food is sliced or cut.

· Medicines should be stored in the containers they came in.

· Keep a telephone close to your bed, and have lamps and light switches within reach.

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