Did you know that of the three million Americans age 65 and older who are involved in accidents every year, a majority were injured right in their own homes?
The good news is that many of these accidents can be prevented. With a small investment of time and effort, you can help protect yourself or your loved one from dangers in the home.
A Five Step Plan for Protecting Against Accidents
The good news is that many of these accidents can be prevented. With a small investment of time and effort, you can help protect yourself or your loved one from dangers in the home.
A Five Step Plan for Protecting Against Accidents
There is no magic formula for avoiding mishaps in the home. But advanced planning and taking proactive steps can lower the risk. Here is a simple plan to follow for making safety a greater priority:
1. Make a conscious effort to understand the special risks and vulnerability of older adults. Take into consideration changes in balance, strength, and eyesight, as well as use of medications that might cause dizziness or drowsiness.
2. Perform a home safety assessment. Do a careful walk-through of the home, making note of what needs to be repaired or modified. (Go to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Senior Fall Prevention project to download the "Home Safety Checklist for Older Adults").
3. Be sensitive to potential problems. For example, spilling water on the floor or leaving small toys around can be safety issues anywhere. In the home of an older friend or relative, such carelessness can be especially dangerous.
4. Follow up by dealing with the risks found during the inspection. This could be as simple as doing some home improvements or repairs yourself. It might involve arranging for some professional help. Put high-risk problems at the top of the list for immediate action.
5. Perform a periodic follow-up inspection. Needs and situations change, so don't take safety for granted.
Home Security
1. Make a conscious effort to understand the special risks and vulnerability of older adults. Take into consideration changes in balance, strength, and eyesight, as well as use of medications that might cause dizziness or drowsiness.
2. Perform a home safety assessment. Do a careful walk-through of the home, making note of what needs to be repaired or modified. (Go to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Senior Fall Prevention project to download the "Home Safety Checklist for Older Adults").
3. Be sensitive to potential problems. For example, spilling water on the floor or leaving small toys around can be safety issues anywhere. In the home of an older friend or relative, such carelessness can be especially dangerous.
4. Follow up by dealing with the risks found during the inspection. This could be as simple as doing some home improvements or repairs yourself. It might involve arranging for some professional help. Put high-risk problems at the top of the list for immediate action.
5. Perform a periodic follow-up inspection. Needs and situations change, so don't take safety for granted.
Home Security
Unfortunately, older adults are easy targets for burglary and assault. Statistically, they are victimized more often than other age groups. Here are several ways to make the home more secure:
- All doors and windows should lock securely.
- Exterior lighting should be ample. Cut back shrubbery if necessary to improve visibility from the street and neighboring homes.
- All exterior doors should have view holes so occupants need not open the door if they don't know who is on the other side.
- There should be at least one phone on every floor in the home and a phone by the bedside for emergencies; keep cell phone charged.
- Emergency numbers should be clearly written out and taped on or next to the phone.
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