Growing older requires you to re-evaluate the need for extra care. Medical alerts are a critical method to getting help when you need it. Many emergencies take place in the home where you assume safety. A simple fall in bedroom/bathroom or cooking accident is enough to warrant extra support and medical emergency.
If you or someone in your home is elderly, you want to ensure safety. These home safety tips will decrease the risk of having to call on others for assistance.
Keep Common Items on a Single Level
Items such as cell phones, car keys, glasses and other-essentials used every day should remain on one level of the home. This helps avoid confusion and unnecessary searches in multiple areas within the house. This is especially true for places that have stairs. Many injuries occur during the use of stairs to a door step or primary room.
Install Safety Rails
Throughout the HomeSafety rails provide additional stability where needed. This is especially true for those who have difficulty walking or standing. Special safety rails are made to support full body weight and customized to fit anywhere. The most common areas to consider installation is the bedroom, bathroom, and stairways.
Keep Floors and Walkways Clear of Small Objects
Some hardwood and carpeted floors blend more easily with items in the house. It becomes especially dangerous when these items are small and located in heavy traffic areas. This is an accident waiting to happen. Stumbling over something will lead to a fall that develops into an emergency. Search the home for objects fitting this description. Consider things such as toys left behind by visiting grandchildren, TV remote controls, stacks of newspapers, slippers, blankets and stepping stools.
Keep Areas Dry
We hear stories every year about accidents taking place in areas across the country where there are heavy snow and ice. It is just as easy to slip and fall inside the house as it is on an icy walkway. Clean up spills immediately after they happen. Don t wait to get to it later.
Have certain sections in the home evaluated for potential water leaks? Bathrooms and kitchens are common culprits. However, washing machines use a large amount of water as well. The frequent use and vibrating motion of these machines wear out parts that keep water inside. Pets have accidents that create damp or wet spots. Don't forget about fish tanks.