Home Safety Tips for Seniors

Don't Put Off Giving Your Home a Safety Check

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) states that nearly one million people over age 65 are treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries associated with products they live with and use everyday. In addition, the death rate from unintentional injuries in the home is approximately three times greater for older people than for the younger population.

Many of these accidents can be prevented with just a little forethought. Often they are caused by hazards that have been simply overlooked or unrecognized. If you are a senior citizen, or have a loved one who fits that category, take a minute to review the following safety tips.

Hallways and doorways should be well lit. Have lights that can be turned on without walking into a dark room. Install night-lights where necessary to avoid falls during the night. If that is not feasible, keep a working flashlight on the bed stand. Remember to check the batteries occasionally. Also have a table lamp and telephone within reach of your bed.

Dispense with scatter and throw rugs. They may look nice, but they can slip, or be tripped over, and cause a nasty fall. Safety should be your first consideration. Rubber grip pads underneath the rugs may work, but if there is dust on the floor, they slip as well, so don't rely on them. You are far better off to just get rid of the rugs. Never put scatter rugs at the top of a flight of stairs, even if they have a thick rubber backing to hold them in place. Anyone, not just seniors, could easily trip on one, lose his balance and fall down the stairs. Also be wary of bath mats without a rubber backing.

Make sure you have a non-skid surface in the bathtub or shower, and grab rails installed on the walls. If standing while showering is a problem, use a sturdy bath seat. Never use a towel rack to steady yourself. They are designed to hold up towels, not people! Also be wary of bath mats without a rubber backing. Don't use bathtub-cleaning products that leave a slippery residue. Make sure bathroom locks can be opened from both sides in case of an emergency. Try to bathe when help is available if needed.