4 Home Safety Tips For Our Elders

I met my friends over lunch last week; we were looking forward to having a nice time when we heard that one of our friend’s father had a fall in the bathroom at home and had fractured his right leg. We felt very sorry she couldn’t join us as she was busy nursing him at home. This got us talking about our elders at home and the safety measures we should take to make sure they do not hurt themselves. There were many things that we could do to avoid accidents and increase their safety at home.

The hazards and home safety tips for our elders:

The first hazard that elders face is that of falling.

 
Many things in the home could increase the chances of falling of an elder. It is best to evaluate the home for tripping hazards; make sure that there are no cords in the walking area and that all rugs are slip resistant and secured to the ground with gripping material. It was best to avoid stairs that could increase the chances of falling; if possible ramps could be installed to eliminate the steps entirely.

The next hazard involves fire and carbon monoxide.

 
Elders may not be aware of both these hazards because of their poor hearing and smelling abilities; it would help to install adequate smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors at home and periodically ensure that they are in good working order and the elder hears them properly. Change the batteries of both these detectors often.

The third hazard involves bathroom accessibility. 

The special safety issues of elders regarding this room are to be addressed. Installing a toilet raiser would be a great addition that would make the toilet both safe as well as easier. It would also help to install handrails both near the toilet and the shower. Sticky grip adhesives should be placed on the floor in the shower area to minimize the chances of slipping and falling. A bath chair would be a great addition that could add to the safety of the shower. Make sure you add non-slip bathmats outside the shower area.

The last hazard is elders dealing with strangers when alone at home.

It is unfortunate yet true that criminals consider elders as their first prey. It is best that elders do not entertain strangers; they should not accept unsolicited phone calls, not answer the door to strangers and should not volunteer personal information to them. Criminals could come to the house pretending to be business men giving estimates or pretending to come to do some repairs that they have been called for and they could actually burgle the house.

Last but most importantly it is best that elders have their own network of family and friends whom they can easily contact or who check up on them often; we sure want our dear elders to be safe and sound.