Although household accidents can happen to anyone at any given time, and to all ages of people, the likelihood that they will occur increases with age. According to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control falls are the leading cause for serious injury and death in Americans over 65. Two-thirds of people who fall in the first six months will do it again. What can you do to make sure your older loved one is safe at home?
These safety tips will help keep your elderly loved ones safe at home.
* Make sure to keep electric cords and small items out of the high-traffic areas of your home. Later in life, vision begins to decline and it is easy to fall prey to difficult-to-spot hazards on the floor.
* Because the majority of slips and falls take place in the bathroom and around the tub, efforts to improve safety in this area should be a primary point of focus. The Archimedes Bath Lift from firstSTREET allows seniors who are fragile to enjoy a luxurious, relaxing bath. This chair can be lowered or raised as desired, helping to reduce the risk of slips and falls.
* All bath mats, rugs and runners should have slip-resistant backing. Check the backing of all rugs to make sure it is not damaged.
* At older ages, we are much more susceptible to burns from hot water. Keep your water heater at 120 degrees to prevent this.
* Keep a fire extinguisher handy in the kitchen, and make sure it’s easily accessible. Make sure to check the gauge once a month to ensure that it is full. Also, teach seniors how to use it in case of a fire at home.
* Check all stair railings, both inside and outside the home, to be sure they are safe and secure.
Call 800-807-6304 to get more information about the Archimedes Bath Lift and other senior home products. www.BathLiftDirect.com.
