Senior Home Safety

• Senior Home Safety Articles

Each year, many older Americans are injured in and around their homes. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that in 1981, more than 622,000 people over age 65 were treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries associated with products they live with and use everyday.

CPSC believes that many of these injuries result from hazards that are easy to overlook, but also easy to fix. By spotting these hazards and taking some simple steps to correct them, many injuries might be prevented.

Safety Check List

• Electrical outlets, appliances, and telephone cords- make sure they are in good working order and can not cause someone to trip and fall
• Rugs, runners and mats - make sure they are secure to prevent trips and falls
• Keep floors and stairs clear of objects
• Keep doors and windows kept locked
• Pots and pans should be kept with handles turned in while cooking
• Don't keep flammable objects near stove
• Have proper ventilation
• Smoke detectors- should be on every floor of the house near bedrooms, check monthly to be sure they are operating
• Electrical outlets and switches - make sure they are in good condition and that the outlets have cover plates- do not overload the outlet
• Ensure adequate cooling and heating
• Adequate lighting and light switches should be located at the entrance of rooms and stairs
• Use a stable step stool to reach hard to reach items
• Space heaters- make sure the heater has a grounding plug and that the heater cannot be knocked over
• Containers with volatile substances should be closed tightly and stored according to the manufacturer's instructions
• Wood burning stoves- should be installed professionally and in good condition
• Have non-skid mats and grab bars in showers and baths
• Water heater should be set no hotter than 120 degrees Fahrenheit
• Unplug appliances when not in use
• Keep medications in their original containers and throw away after the expiration date
• Have an emergency exit plan

Safety Tips

• Wear low heeled shoes
• Wear shoes with good traction
• Don't walk in socks or stockings
• Be careful around pets and children
• Carry small loads instead of large loads
• Rise slowly from a sitting or lying position
• Keep eye Rx up to date
• Remove scatter rugs
• Remove electrical cords from walking areas
• Wear seatbelts

Common Causes of In Home Accidents

• Poisoning
• Falls
• Drowning
• Burns
• Choking
• Electrocution
• Firearms

Immunizations

• Tetanus every 10 years and booster if there is a severe puncture
• Flu yearly
• Pneumococcal vaccine at age 65, and consider having shot every 6 years
• Stay up to date on Measles, Mumps, and Rubella, and ask doctor about Hepatitis B vaccine

Emergency Numbers

• Make sure everyone in the home knows how to dial 911.
• Poison Control 1-800-222-1222
• The National Elder Abuse Hotline 1-800-879-6682