Seniors are one of the most vulnerable groups of people in terms of accidents at home, and this is often down to the fact that you might have been living in your home for a number of years, but your changing needs have not been reflected in adjustments to the layout of the property.
Staying in an environment that holds so many happy memories can make all the difference in later life, and the importance of this connection is reflected by companies like InvoCare.com.
If you want to continue to enjoy living in your home as a senior and stay as safe as possible, here are some accident prevention pointers to consider.
Identify Potential Trip and Fall Hazards
It is a fact of life that as you get older, there are going to be times when you might not be so steady on your feet, and your vision is not got to be as sharp as it was in your younger days.
These are just two aspects of aging that have to be taken into consideration when you are looking at making your home as safe as possible so that you can enjoy your senior years without suffering from an accident at home that could have been prevented.
If you have already experienced difficulty with your balance or walking, it is important to get the layout of your house assessed and adjusted, so that you don’t end up suffering an injury. You might want to talk to your healthcare provider and arrange for someone to complete a falls risk assessment.
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Even if the layout of your home is very familiar, it is often the case that rugs on the floor or a lack of strategically placed grab handles can leave you vulnerable to a slip or fall.
If you have already suffered a fall previously, consider taking the extra precaution of carrying a special alarm that you wear as a bracelet or necklace, which allows you to push a button and call for help, if you can’t get up and phone for help.
Safety-proof Your Bathroom
Maintaining your independence is important to you, so it makes sense to ensure that you are able to use the bathroom without assistance, but with a suitable degree of safety.
Have some grab bars installed so that you can get in and out of the bath more easily, and use the toilet or shower without any issues?
Rubber mats in the bathtub are another simple but effective safety measure that will help a slip or fall prevention while you are using the bathroom. A walk-in tub for their bathroom is another good option for their safety and comfort.
You might also want to get the thermostat on your water heater set to a maximum temperature and use an anti-scald device to prevent the prospect of getting burned or suffering a fall, which can happen when you try to get out of the way of scalding water in your shower.
There are many safety aspects to consider, such as fitting extra smoke detectors and using a medical alert or buddy system, all of which should help to keep you safer and enjoy your home in your senior years.
Disclaimer: All images are provided by the author.
About Author:
Aimee Barber plays a vital part in her community with her efforts to help the elderly residents. She writes about elder care in her articles which are published on a range of sites online.
