The National Safety Council stated that in 2017, 47.2 million people sought medical attention due to a preventable injury, making preventable injuries the third leading cause of death behind heart disease, cancer and chronic lower respiratory disease. Keep up to date on new ways to keep safe, whether it’s through old school methods and tools or through the use of new technology. Below are some tips and tools that can help keep you safe in your own home.
Senior Home Safety in the Bathroom
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention , about 235,000 people over the age of 15 ended up in the emergency room because of a bathroom injury. To help prevent being one of those numbers, here are some tips to help make your bathroom safer:
- Add some traction to the bathroom floor and tub with slip-resistant mats, which can help minimize slips and falls.
- Instead of using the flimsy towel bar, install grab bars. Grab bars are more stable, can handle a person’s body weight, and can be strategically placed in the room to provide stability when needed.
- Invest in a walk in-tub, which help people with mobility issues enjoy a relaxing bath without having to step over a slippery edge. You can sit safely while you bathe which reduces the risk of slipping.
Senior Home Safety in the Bedroom
We spend at least eight hours of our day in the bedroom, and it should be a place that provides safety and security, especially for those with mobility issues. Here are some safety tips to incorporate in the bedroom:
- Reduce clutter- Over time we accumulate stuff, and it may be hard to purge it or find new homes for some items. However, this is a necessary step for increased home safety. Removing the clutter can help because it eliminates potential obstacles in walkways, frees up space, and can keep you organized.
- Nightlights-. Try installing night lights throughout your home, as they can provide enough light to guide your path.
- Eliminate Cord Clutter- Electrical cords can be a tripe hazard if they’re not organized. To stay safe, invest in a power strip to space out the cables.
Senior Home Safety in the Kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of the home and a place to eat as a family, but did you know it’s one of the more dangerous rooms in the house? The National Fire Protection Association stated that 3 in 10 home fires start in the kitchen, but that’s not the only safety issue. Check out these safety tips to help make your kitchen safer:
- To prevent fires, don’t leave ovens or stoves on after you’ve completed your cooking or baking. Make sure to turn off appliances that aren’t being used or invest in ones that have automatic shut off features such as toasters, coffee makers, rice cookers, and tea kettles.
- Clean up cluttered messes to avoid the risk of falling. Make sure that heavy objects are at waist level and another tipis to use dishes are plastic instead of glass.
- Make sure the kitchen is well-lit with both daytime and nighttime lighting.
- Replace the batteries in all smoke detectors annually.
Senior Home Safety Outside
Staying active is something we should be doing daily and staying safe outside is important. When working or going outside, please pay attention to few factors. Below are some small things to help keep in mind before and after you go outside:
- Hydrate and Wear Sunblock – The sun is bright, warm and beautiful, but can be hazardous. The rays from the sun can zap your energy and leave you drained. First, before doing any work outside, make sure you drink water and have some to take with you outside. Second, put sunblock on and wear a hat to block those powerful rays.
- Ask For Help – Understand your limitations when working outside. If you don’t have the mobility to perform tasks, don’t sacrifice your safety, hire professionals instead. Some sites that can help with home repairs and assistance include Angie’s List, Thumbtack.com, Porch, and Houzz.
These are just a few tips to help you help you stay safe in your home. They are important considerations for both older adults and their caretakers. For more ideas, check out projects that can help seniors live independently.
