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The elderly are at greater risk for injury, for many reasons. The process of aging, brings about physical changes that contribute to an increased potential for accidents. The skin is a protective barrier, with aging it becomes thinner and looses elasticity. There is a loss of fat and muscle mass. The bones loose minerals, which makes them brittle and more prone to sustaining a fracture. Eyesight and hearing ability are decreased. Our coordination and sence of balance are decreased. These are significant changes that affect an individuals ability to protect themselves. The safety of our elderly loved one is a major concern. The aim should be at prevention. I am offering a few simple guidelines to follow, that will identify safety hazards in the home, and lists precautions to take to ensure a safer enviroment.
1. Floors should have a nonskid surface. Throw rugs should not be used, they can cause a person to trip and fall. If large rugs are used, anchor them to the floor.
2. Shoes are important. Make sure your elderly loved one has a good pair of shoes, that provide support. The soles should not be slick, a corrugated sole is a good choice.
3. Make sure there is adequate lighting in all of the rooms. Put night lights in the bedroom, hall and bathroom to allow a clear, visible, route to the bathroom at night.
4. The bath room toilet and bathtub should have rails, to assist a person in rising to a standing position. Put a mat in the bathtub, to prevent slipping. Check hotwater heater settings and adjust if necessary. Aging skin is less likely to sense the heat, and is at greater risk to experience a burn.
5. The kitchen appliances should have controls that are easily read, and accessible. A fire extinguisher should be near the stove. Advise your elderly loved one to avoid wearing long sleeves or loose clothing, when cooking.
6. Check all of the electrical appliances in the home. Look at the cords and plugs. Use only insulated wiring. Make sure none of the appliances are near water areas such as, sinks and the bathtub.
7. Place fire alarms throughou the home, Check batteries regularly. Make sure all exits are accessible and free of clutter.
8. Place a phone in easy reach. List all emergency numbers, using large letters and numbers, that can easily be seen. A good choice of a telephone is one that has an enlarged and lighted dial area.
9. Check for loose boards on porches. Repair, if any are identified. Make sure all steps are secure and have rails, to provide support and balance. Provide adequate lighting for porch area.
10. Make sure there are no holes in the yard area. Check for exposed wiring or pipes on the outside grounds. Keep grass cut and clear thick, overgrown, areas of weeds and shrubs. Outside grounds should have lighting, to decrease the possibility of an intruder. Automatic lights are a good choice, to increase security. Make sure all outside doors lock properly.
Follow these guidelines, and you can have a better peace of mind about the safety of your elderly loved one.
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