Health tips: Senior citizen safety

Safety in the home is an important concern for older adults. Poor eyesight and hearing, Arthritis, dementia and side effects from medications are all factors that can make a simple trip to the kitchen a potentially dangerous undertaking.

Due the fact that injuries to older adults are more severe because of brittle bones and thin skin, caution should be used at all times, particularly when someone is home alone. Practicing good safety habits and staying alert - even when performing the most mundane tasks - can prevent many accidents.

·Keep outdoor steps and walkways in good condition and clear of debris.

·Illuminate all stairways and hallways and provide light switches at both ends.

·Use nightlights or bedside remote controlled switches.

·Provide handrails in hallways and stairways.

·Keep a sturdy nightstand next to the bed so glasses and other personal items are within reach.

·Put felt or soft material over sharp edges and corners of furniture such as nightstands, tables and shelves.

·Tack down the edges of carpets and rugs; remove throw rugs that slide.

·Keep pathways clear of furniture and other objects.

·Provide handrails in the bathroom (especially near the toilet) and use non-skid strips in bathtubs.

·Use a shower seat and shower hose for those unable to stand in the shower.

·Avoid using bath oils or lotions in the bathtub.

·Use kitchen appliances with thermostats and timers. The elderly find appliances with signal lights and buzzers easier to use.

·Use fireproof curtains on windows near the stove.

·Clearly mark the "off" position on stoves and ranges so a person with diminished eyesight can immediately tell if the element is off.

·Set water heater thermostats or faucets so water does not scald the skin.

·When cooking, don't wear loose fitting or flammable clothes. Long sleeves can catch fire easily.

·Install smoke detectors in the kitchen and throughout the rest of the house.

·Keep a fire extinguisher handy and know how to use it.

·Arrange frequently used kitchen items in an easy to reach storage cabinet.

·Have regular eye examinations and keep glasses clean and in good condition.

·Use a walker or cane if you need one.

·Wear light-colored clothing with reflector tape on your shoes and carry a flashlight when going out at night.

·When catching the bus, have your fare or bus pass ready to avoid losing your balance while looking for it.

·Always have an umbrella on hand, even during sunny days.

·Choose shoes, which are flexible and easily molded to the feet.

·When choosing house slippers, make sure the soles don't have too much grip (which may grab carpeting and cause a fall).

·Shoes with Velcro straps are easier to put on and take off.

·Apply reflective tape on the sides and back of your shoes to make you more visible at night.

·Many older people trap themselves behind multiple door locks that are hard to open, especially in an emergency. Install one good lock that can be opened easily from the inside.

·Avoid isolated areas and bring a friend along when leaving your neighborhood.

·Always keep your identification and important medical information on you at all times in case of an emergency.

·For more information about safety, talk with your physician or call your local fire or police station.