Safety in the Home

HOME SAFETY CHECKLIST
Each year, many older Americans are injured in and around their homes. The U.S. Consumer Product and Safety Commission (CSPC) estimates that in 1995, over 650,000 people over age 65 were treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries associated with products they live with and use everyday. CPSC believes that many of these injuries result from hazards that are easy to overlook, but also easy to fix. By spotting these hazards and taking some simple steps to correct them, many injuries might be prevented.

Everyone knows where most accidents happen. Falls are the most common injury and most frequent injury related death among the elderly. Hip fractures due to falls account for over 200, 000 injuries a year. Most of these people will not return to their former level of mobility. This presents additional difficulties for seniors and added stress and responsibility for those providing care to them.

There are factors, which contribute to falls among the elderly. Age is the prime candidate. Although age itself is not a disease the diminished and altered capacities that come with age contribute to the risks of falls. The prime examples of this are;

• Inaccurate Perceptions - hearing and/or vision problems and mental problems.
• Physical Conditions - chronic conditions such as osteoporosis and arthritis can make mobility, even standing difficult.
• Medications - many drugs have side effects that can cause dizziness and alter perceptions.
• Decreased Reaction Time - the older body does not respond as quickly as it used to.
• Diminished Body Control - balance can be affected by weak muscles and joints that won't fully bend or straighten. Diseases such as Parkinson's will contribute to poor balance and coordination.
• Impaired Judgement or Memory Loss - will cause people to forget certain hazards around the house.
• Drug and Alcohol Use.

SAFETY CHECKLIST
This list is presented in a general manner meant to alert you to the most common hazards and tips to avoid them. Some or all will be appropriate to the folks' depending on their physical condition and that of their home. Review the list with the folks and take appropriate steps. Attention to the folk's safety will be challenging but the rewards can be emotionally and financially satisfying.

Personal
• Eye and Hearing Exams: Have the folks get regular eye and hearing exams.
• Exercise: A daily exercise or suitable workout will keep muscles and joints flexible and limber.
• Medication Evaluation: Have all medications professionally reviewed to identify potential side effects and interactions. If the Mom/Dad is seeing more than one doctor this can be especially important.
• Medication Usage: Store medicines as instructed and keep them clearly labeled. Follow dosage as instructed. Understand how and when medicines should be taken. Keep out of reach (locked) for those who are confused or forgetful.
• Walking Aids: When needed use appropriate walking aids and keep them readily accessible.
• Proper Footwear: Shoes with slippery or rubber soles should be avoided.
• Alcohol and Smoking: Limit or avoid use of both. No smoking in bed and make certain ashtrays have no burning material before emptying.
• Contaminated Waste: Used bandages, syringes, tubing, gloves and other wastes should be disposed of properly. Check with a health care provider.
• Medic Alert Bracelet or Necklace
• The Vial of Life is important. Have Mom/Dad keep a list of all medications in an unused plastic prescription bottle marked as "Vial of Life." The list should also include family and doctor contact phone #'s. Emergency medical response teams around the country are being trained to look for the Vial of Life which is generally kept in the refrigerator. It is important to keep the list current.
  Coming soon. The Keys Please will soon offer an "E-Vial of Life" as a service.

Environmental
• Lighting/Electrical
• Have lighting without too much glare or shadows.
• Use night-lights in appropriate and traveled areas.
• Stairwells should be well lit with switches at top and bottom of stairs
• Consider areas such as bathrooms for use of the glow in the dark light switches
• Electrical outlets near sinks, bathtubs and showers should be equipped with Ground Fault Interrupters (GFI)
• Lamps and/or light switches located near bed within easy reach
• Electric blankets and heating pads properly used, not covered or tucked in. Use according to manufacturers instructions.
• Outside lights on motion detector allows for better vision and serves as prowler deterrent.
• Flooring:
• Attach/replace loose rugs with tape or rubber backing or remove rugs
• Repair holes in carpeting.
• Avoid deep pile carpeting.
• Evaluate, replace or repair any flooring that may cause a fall.
• All electrical and phone cords out of walking areas
• Evaluate furniture on wheels. May slide when used for balance.
• Steps should be of equal width and rise.
• Stair edges painted or taped with "Day-Glow" for better definition
• Equipment as Needed:
• Stair handrails, secure
• Grab bars, near toilets, in showers/tubs - secure in wall studs
• Raised toilet seats
• Non-slip mats or appliques in showers/tubs
• Hand held shower heads make showering/bathing easier, safer
• Water temperature set at 120* F to avoid burns.
• Ventilation as needed such as cooking areas or were kerosene heating is used.
• Keep electrical appliances away from tubs, showers, sinks
• Non-skid treads on stairs
• Hospital bed with side rails. Overhead trapeze so person can hoist him/herself up from bed
• Step stools - sturdy with wide steps and perhaps a handrail. Try to keep commonly used items within reach without the need for a step stool.
• Clutter should be cleared from hallways, exits, steps
• Bells on pet collars to alert Mom/Dad
• Telephones that can be reached without standing and near beds
• PERS - Personal Emergency Response System
  NOTE: See HOUSING Chapter for Home Modifications
  Coming soon. The Keys Please will soon offer an internet directed Mom/Dad Emergency Notification (M/DEN).

Fire Safety
• Remove electrical cords under rugs, furniture
• Check condition of electrical/extension cords
• Check load rating on electrical cords
• Check electrical outlets and switches - hot to the touch indicates unsafe wiring. Additional outlets may need to be installed as needed.
• Smoke Detectors - One on every floor, near or on ceiling, check batteries every month (check with local fire department for advice)
• Appropriate wattage light bulb for lamp or fixture
• Fuses if used should be the right size
• Remove combustible materials that are near flame - stove, water heater, furnace, stove. This includes curtains, towels, etc
• Check/clean wood burning stoves, fireplaces to avoid fires and smoke inhalation
• Avoid loose clothing around cooking stoves

Emergency Fire/Exit Plan
• Develop plan to include: Two ways to exit each room - if possible
• A meeting place outside where everyone can meet and check on one another
• Practice the plan periodically to make certain that Mom/Dad are capable of exiting
• Post the plan where everyone can see it

1.Safety Intro
2.Safety in the Home
3.Fraud
4.Crime Prevention
5.Natural Disasters