Safe At Home

Due to the growing popularity of aging in place with in-home care, it’s important to make sure you and your loved ones are aware of the potential dangers present in the home. Help prevent falls and accidents by making changes to unsafe areas in the home. If you’re a caregiver, have a discussion with your loved ones and perhaps post reminders in each room.

General Home Safety

• Consider a medical alert or a buddy system.
• Keep a fire extinguisher and smoke detector on every floor.
• Always get up slowly after sitting or lying down. Take your time, and make sure you have your balance.
• Wear properly-fitting shoes with low heels.
• Use a correctly-measured walking aid.
• Remove or tack down all scatter rugs.
• Remove electrical or telephone cords from traffic areas.
• Avoid using slippery wax on floors.
• Avoid standing on ladders or chairs.
• Install sturdy railings for all stairs inside and outside the house. If necessary, purchase a stairlift.
• Use only non-glare 100 watt or greater incandescent bulbs (or the fluorescent equivalents).
• Make sure that all staircases have good lighting with switches at top and bottom.

Bathroom Safety

• Leave a light on in your bathroom at night.
• Use grab bars, securely installed on the walls of the bath/shower stall and on the sides of the toilet.
• Skid-proof the tub and make sure the bath mat has a non-slip bottom.
• Use door locks that can be opened from both sides. – If possible, bathe only when help is available.

Kitchen Safety

• Keep floors clean and uncluttered.
• Illuminate work areas.
• Mark “on” and “off” positions on appliances clearly and with bright colors.
• Store sharp knives in a rack.
• Use a kettle with an automatic shut off.
• Store heavy objects at waist level.
• Store hazardous items separate from food.

Brought to you by your friends at Your Own Home In-Home Senior Care. For more information on senior care, call them at 302-478-708 or visit www.yourownhomecare.com.