As the years pass, our home becomes our favorite place for comfort, safety, and security. We reminisce on all the wonderful celebrations and beautiful memories created with our families there. The older we get, the more we start to notice getting around at home, and tasks that were once easy become more complex. Eventually, the aging process leads to decreased vision, balance, and strength issues. This increases the risk of accidents and injuries at home. Tripping, falling, getting burnt, and other accidents can lead to injuries and hospitalizations. Home safety is vital to reduce these risks. It is essential to take steps to protect yourself, your family, and loved ones who come to visit. This blog discusses the importance of home safety for seniors and precautions to maintain security at home.
Importance of Home Safety for Seniors:
Our bodies become more fragile and susceptible to injuries as we age. When we become senior citizens, our favorite environment for comfort, safety, and happiness can become more hazardous to our well-being. Tripping, bumping into things, falling, and other accidents can occur anywhere at home. Accidents in the bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, dining room, basement, and backyard can lead to injury, hospitalization, and even permanent disability. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that falls are the leading cause of injury among older adults. They account for over 2 million injuries treated in hospital emergency departments annually. Fortunately, there are precautions you can take to minimize injuries and help maintain safety at home.
Precautions to Maintain Safety at Home:
1) Install grab bars and handrails in the bathroom: Placing grab bars and handrails near the toilet and in the shower and bathtub can help support your balance and stability. Falls can be prevented by having extra support when floors are wet or when your muscles have become weaker when moving into sitting and standing positions.
2) Increase lighting throughout the home: All rooms, hallways, stairways, and outside areas should be well-lit. Increased lighting, such as installing fluorescent bulbs in all light fixtures, will make it easier to read medications correctly and see where you are walking. Using nightlights throughout your home will illuminate dark areas at night and help you get around more easily.
3) Remove tripping hazards off floors: Any loose rugs, cords, and clutter on floors and stairs should be removed to prevent slipping or falling. Throw rugs and shoes should have a non-slip bottom when being used.
4) Organize medications: Keep an available list of all your doctors prescribe, including dosage and frequency. Dispose of expired medications and use a compartment pill organizer to help maintain correct medication management at home. Remember to call your doctor immediately if you notice any allergic or adverse drug reaction symptoms.
5) Maintaining a comfortable temperature and atmosphere: Proper ventilation in all house areas is vital to maintain safe oxygen levels. Keep the heat and air comfortable to prevent heat stroke or hypothermia. Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Get them tested regularly and replace them as needed.
6) Check household appliances: Ensure household appliances are in good working condition. Have them serviced regularly to prevent electrical fires. Unmaintained appliances can pull extra energy, increasing your electric bill. This also could decrease appliance lifespan and may have to be replaced, causing unexpected expenses.
7) Always have a phone close by: Having contacts easily accessible in your phone and having your phone close will make it easier to call for help in case of emergency. Medical alert systems, such as a senior medical alert button, can make calling for use in case of a fall or accidental injury easier.
8) Make an emergency plan: Create a home plan in case of evacuation due to fire or other health emergencies. Know the quickest way to depart from any room or area at home. Remember to call 911.
Following the precautions listed above can help prevent accidents and injuries. All safety measures listed are equally necessary for maintaining well-being and optimal health at home as you age. By taking these steps, you can help ensure the home sweet home remains a safe and comfortable environment to continue living your best life. Safety and accident prevention starts at home.
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