Senior Proofing
Senior Proofing a home is the new Baby Proofing. It is just as important, if not even more. June is National Safety Month Platinum Select Care is all about keeping our Seniors and our clients safe this month and every month. So if you have a mom, dad or grandma who is living alone, Senior Proofing their home is extremely important to keep them safe.
According to National Safety Council, nearly a million people age 65 and older go to emergency rooms each year for injuries they suffer in their homes. Older adults die at three times the rate of younger people from accidental injuries at home, and slips and falls constitute the leading causes of injury.
Addressing Hazards in the Home
Senior proofing a home prevents slips and falls among older adults in their home. The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors recommends safety measures like non-slip mats in bathtubs & grab bars in bathrooms. They also recommend handrails on both sides of staircases, and carpeting and rugs on stairs. Throw rugs in particular pose significant trip and fall risks. Get rid of those immediately.
In addition to slips and falls, burns from open flames and hot water cause a number of injuries to older adults each year. Experts recommend that individuals reduce the temperature of their water heaters to 120 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent scalding. Every floor of a home should have at least one functioning smoke detector. In addition, older adults should wear flame-resistant sleeping wear at night. During the day, seniors should wear clothing made of tightly woven materials like 100-percent wool or polyester.
Safety Measures in Senior Living
While no safety measures can prevent falls and other accidents, we can work together to ensure our senior communities have a good understanding of safety and risk management.
These are just some of the safety tips that we offer when doing a Fall Risk Assessment in a Senior’s home:
Tips to Senior Proof a Home & Minimize Common Domestic Hazards
Reports show that more than 75% of accident-related injuries occur in the home, and for senior citizens, the odds rise even higher.
Here’s a checklist to Senior Proof a home to help make each major area of the home safe for seniors:
Kitchen
- Store sharp knives and other utensils in a rack.
- Mark “on” and “off” positions on appliances clearly and with bright colors.
- Throw away expired food promptly.
- Ensure that your loved one avoids wearing loose, long-hanging clothing when cooking over the stove.
- Purchase silicone heat-resistant handle covers for pots and pans.
- Choose tea kettles and space heaters with automatic shut-off functions.
- Consider limiting cooking only to when in-home care professionals are available.
- Separate toxic cleaning supplies from food items.
- Clearly label prescription medicines and keep them in a well-lit area to minimize confusion.
Bathroom
- Install grab bars next to the toilet and in the tub or shower.
- Use non-slip mats in the bathtub or shower floor.
- Keep a nightlight with a fresh bulb for nighttime bathroom trips.
- Clearly label cold and hot faucets.
- Set your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or below to lessen the risk of scalds.
Bedroom
- Keep a nightlight illuminated in the room.
- Make sure there is a nightstand next to the bed with a lamp, telephone, clock and additional space for any other important items (such as medications).
General safety
- Place emergency numbers near phones
- Consider a medical alert device to enable the elderly to summon quick help in the event of an accident
- Clear floors of obstacles that might cause tripping, such as phone cords and loose floor mats.
- Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers on every floor and periodically check the batteries
- Front and back doors should have strong, bolted locks and a peephole.
- Stairways should be free of objects and handrails should be sturdy.
- Clean up spills right away.
Outdoor safety
- Regularly check that outdoor stairs and walkways are clear of clutter & debris
- Sufficient lighting in all corridors, stairways and common areas
- Grab bars and non-slip flooring in bathrooms
- Emergency call systems
- Control of clutter that could cause or contribute to tripping
- Quick cleaning of any spilled liquids or foods, which can cause slipping accidents
- Regular attention to safety when using walkways and outdoor areas
- Timely repair of railings, flooring, ramps and other fixtures
- Timely removal of storm-related debris from outdoor areas
- Disaster plans in place for earthquakes, flooding, fires, power failures and other emergency situations
- Food, water, medications and other disaster supplies on hand
We all deserve safe, healthy environments. Senior Proofing a home is one way to keep your loved one safe. Take time this month to perform a thorough safety check of your own living space to protect you and your family from injuries and accidents.
Platinum Select Care will perform a free Safety & Fall Assessment at the homes of all their new patients. Call us today to schedule yours. (561.998.3211 ask for Nurse Sheryl.