INDUSTRY INSIGHT
SENIOR LIVING
Home Safety
M
SPONSORED CONTENT
for Seniors
ore accidents happen in the home than anywhere else.
In 2018 there were 21 million home accidents requiring
hospital treatment. Children under the age of 5 and people
over 65, particularly those 75 and older, were most likely to have an
accident in the home. Fifty-five percent of accidental injuries in the
home involve falls and approximately 18,000 people aged 75 or older die
annually as the result of a fall or home injury. As we get older, changes
in physical abilities such as poor vision and decreased mobility create an
even more urgent need for home safety. Below are some safety tips and
suggestions to help your senior loved ones stay safe in their home.
General Home Safety
• Remove or tack down all scatter rugs.
• Remove electrical extension cords and telephone cords from traffic
areas.
• Wipe up spills promptly and avoid using slippery wax on floors.
• Make sure that all staircases have good lighting with switches at top
and bottom, and use sturdy rails for all stairs inside and outside the
house.
• Use only non-glare 100-watt or greater incandescent or fluorescent
bulbs throughout the house.
• Use extreme caution when smoking. Never smoke when alone, in
bed or around oxygen.
Bathroom Safety
• Leave a light on in your bathroom during the day and 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.
• Mark cold and hot faucets clearly and, to avoid scalds, turn the water
heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or below.
Kitchen Safety
• Mark “on” and “off” positions on appliances clearly and with bright
colors.
• Store sharp knives in a rack, and illuminate work areas.
• Start using appliances with timers or automatic shut-off features.
• Store heavier objects at waist level.
• Store hazardous items separate from food items.
• Check expiration dates. Make sure food is rotated regularly.
• Avoid wearing long, loose clothing when cooking over the stove, and
keep a working fire extinguisher and smoke detector in the kitchen
and on every floor.
Drug Safety
• Review your medicines frequently with your doctor or pharmacist
and when you take new medication.
• Make sure medicines are clearly labeled. Read medicine labels in
good light to ensure you have the right medicine and always take the
correct dose.
• Dispose of any old or used medicines.
• Never borrow prescription drugs from others.
• Check with your doctor or pharmacist before you mix alcohol and
your drugs, and check with your doctor or pharmacist before mixing
non-prescription drugs and prescription drugs.
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Home safety is important for all of us. However, with
some simple steps, you can make your home safer and
more comfortable for your elderly loved ones. For more
information about home safety for seniors, contact
Juniper Village at Forest Hills at 412.244.9901.