Staying Safe At Home
The goal is to prevent falls by eliminating hazards at home
General Information:
Ensure even lighting throughout your home - especially in hallways. Visual changes associated with normal aging result in an increased need for brighter lighting. Use 60-100 watt bulbs or the highest wattage allowed for your fixture.
Turn on a lamp when you get out of bed in the middle of the night; a night-light may not be enough.
Install light switches at born ends of hallways and stairs.
Appliances, lamps, and cords should be in good condition - no frayed wires.
Tuck cords behind furniture - never drape the floor.
Do not overload outlets; use circuit protectors.
The thermostat of your water heater should be set at 110 degrees F or lower to prevent accidental scalding. Most water heaters are set at 140-160 degrees Farenheit. It takes only three seconds of contact with this temperature of water to sustain a third degree burn.
Keep hallways, stairs, and areas of ambulation free of clutter.
Tack down carpet and stair treads.
Install handrails on both sides of stairs.
Emergency phone numbers need to be posted by your phone and on the refrigerator. Have medications listed near your phone list, in case you are unable to speak to the paramedics.
Install smoke detectors in stairwells and living room.
Have a cordless telephone or other emergency access device near you at all times.
Rehab Services Department of Occupational Therapy
Sources
American Red Cross
Resurrection Medical Center Library
Rush-Presbyterian Safety Outline
AARP The DoAble Renewable Home
Gerodesign Geriatrics vol 49, no 11, Nov. 1994
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