July 1999 Seniors: 10 Ways to Make Your Home Safer In 1997 there were 34.1 million people over the age of 65. By the year 2030 there will be nearly 70 million senior citizens in the United States. Since the majority (95%) of this age group lives in their own homes, home safety is a serious concern. Every year, one in three persons are the victim of a fall. In fact, falls are the most common cause of injuries and hospital admissions for trauma among the elderly. The most alarming fact is that for people aged 65-84, falls are the second leading cause of injury-related death. Most falls occur in the bathroom and/or entering and exiting the home. Here are 10 ways that you can make your home a safer, more satisfying place to live. |
| 1. | One of the most common accidents is
falling in the shower or bathtub. As we age, our bodies can become more fragile
due to the change in composition of our bones and muscles. Therefore, keeping a proper
balance becomes a serious concern. Experts recommend that you place a grab bar just
outside the tub or shower to give assistance while entering or exiting the shower. Another
bar can be placed inside the shower to give assistance while bathing. Installation is
critical: make sure that grab bars are screwed directly into wall studs if at all
possible. Also, be sure to mark and avoid all plumbing lines. Professional installation is
recommended. |
| 2. | If bathing is a major safety concern, in
addition to grab bars, install a hand held shower and a bath chair or bench. This
will enable you to bath without the fear of falling. |
| 3. | Make sure that you have proper lighting
in all areas of the home. As we age our eyesight deteriorates due to normal
aging. Be sure to pay special attention to the bathroom, kitchen, and stairwells. This can
be done in most cases by installing the maximum wattage bulbs in your fixtures. (Be sure
not to exceed the maximum printed on most fixtures.) Lastly, install a nightlight in every
room that you might enter during the night. Be sure and pick the ones that are cool to the
touch to protect children. The average night light only cost about 3 cents per year to
operate. |
| 4. | Floor Coverings. Make sure that
all "moveable" rugs are taken up to avoid tripping and falling. If you must keep
these rugs and mats, insert a rug stabilizer under them to keep the rug from sliding. |