Safety Tips For Seniors And Those Living Alone
Article by Debbie Cook, PIO
Having a few very independent friends and family members that live alone and a daughter that is a C.N.A. at a rehab center and has shared some information, I thought researching some safety tips might be beneficial for not only seniors, but anyone who lives alone. I did a Google search for “Safety for seniors living alone” and found a lot of great information. Some of the tips are listed below.
Avoid slippery conditions: Make sure floors aren't slippery. Put down non-slip floor mats in your bathrooms and install safety bars (also known as ‘grab bars’) in bathtubs and showers, and next to toilets. Also install mats at the entry points to your house so floors don't get slick on rainy and snowy days.
Remove tripping hazards: Stray electrical cords, rugs that don't lie flat, and poor lighting are common causes of falls within the home. Make sure your bulbs are the proper wattage and install nightlights to illuminate your floors at night.
Don't place items in hard to reach places: Keep the things you need within easy reach. Climbing to get to items in high places is another common cause of falls.
Test smoke alarms regularly: Your alarms only protect you if they are operating properly. Change batteries every six months when you reset your clocks for daylight savings time and standard time.
Keep lists of medications, allergies and personal information in your wallet or purse: This information can be invaluable to emergency medical personnel when they come to your home, especially if you're unconscious or unable to communicate.
Use a medical alert system: There are many options that provide affordable, one-touch access to emergency personnel. Should you need help, simply press a button on the medical alert bracelet or necklace and you'll be connected with a trained care specialist through the alert system's intercom.
Get to know your neighbors: You don't have to be best friends, but if you and your neighbors get to know each other, you're all more likely to notice when something is awry. Include neighbors on your medical alert system's emergency contact list.
Organize a daily check-in: Ask a loved-one or friend to call each day to make sure everything is okay. You can offer to do the same for them.
Put a lock box on your door - A lock box allows family members, friends, trusted neighbors and emergency personnel to access your home when you're unable to get to the door.
It is a scary thing to be injured, but to be injured, alone and worried about how you will get help or when help will arrive can be terrifying. Planning may not only prevent possible injury, but prepare you for the ‘what if something happens?’ Mariposa County Fire believes that safety and education are the best way to prevent accidents. Visit us at www.mariposacounty.org/fire or on Facebook. If you would rather chat with us personally, call us at (209) 966-4330. We would welcome the opportunity to assist you.
