As there are a growing number of aged adults living independently, it’s ever important to be aware of the risks of daily living accidents such as falls and fire hazards and how to eliminate these to keep ourselves and loved ones safe. Whether a quick fix or a small renovation, the following are commonly recommended adjustments to help avoid potential risks.
Minimize trips and falls
Remove a loose rug or secure it with double-sided tape or a rug pad. For
carpet tears, mend with carpet glue or staples. If you have a flight of stairs,
use textured no-slip strips and ascertain that handrails are secure. Another
consideration is a chair lift. For the bathroom, a rubber mat in the tub
prevents slippage. Also, you can browse your local medical supply store for grab
bars to install near the shower, bathtub, and toilet. You may also look for a
toilet seat riser to ease getting up. Place electrical cords away from high
traffic areas.
Remove obstacles
Clear the pathway of any chairs, appliances, bags, or boxes that can impede
the walkway and cause someone to lose their footing. Add low-level shelving to
store extra items that are lying around.
Secure, adjust, or replace
faulty furniture
Fix or trade chairs
with wobbly limbs for those with sturdy legs and arms. Ensure chairs and
bedding are at a comfortable height to sit and rise from. Adjust the headboard
or replace the mattress if it’s too high or low.
Improve lighting
Darkness in the home
during the night is an accident waiting to happen while making one’s way to the
bathroom. Nightlights, motion sensor lighting, or the clapper are helpful aids
to increase visibility rather than risking a stumble. LED bulbs versus high
bulb wattage are safer and save on energy.
Keep activities and large items
on one level
Reduce the need to
visit the basement or consider purchasing a ranch where you can access laundry,
storage, and other items on the main floor. Create easy access to heavy
objects, such as hanging pots and pans on the wall, to avoid heavy lifting.
Practice fire and burn prevention
Control temperatures
by monitoring thermostats or installing lock-in switches to control furnace
fires. Check that electrical cords are not frayed, and outlets aren’t
overfilled to avoid shorts and overheating. Be careful of burns and scalding when
near water or in the kitchen. The water-heater thermostat should be no higher
than 120 degrees Fahrenheit and avoid wearing loose clothing while cooking on
the stove. When using space heaters, ensure they are placed at least three feet
away from furnishings.
Follow general safety and health measures
Everyone, including
seniors, is vulnerable to smoke and toxic fumes. Change the smoke detector and
carbon monoxide batteries twice per year and add a fire extinguisher to the
kitchen and on each floor of the home. Keep a list of emergency numbers visible
and handy. Hire a regular cleaning service and have the pharmacy attach large
print labels to medication bottles. You don’t want to risk the possibility that
seniors with mobility, hearing, and visual limitations, accidentally
overmedicate or mix the wrong cleaning chemicals.
In addition, obtain a
medical alert system for those prone to falls. If they don’t want to wear a
device, they should always have a cordless phone handy. Finally, invest in a
smart home security system to protect against home invasion if you can afford
it.
As we and our loved
ones age, we become increasingly vulnerable to accidents, crime, and health
emergencies. Tragedies can cost us dearly if we don’t take the time to ensure
our homes are safe. It’s just a matter of taking a few extra precautions and,
if needed, investing in the necessary changes to provide the priceless
protection and peace of mind that we all deserve.