Safety in the Home

Statistically accidents in the home account for a large percentage of the total number of all injuries and death. Some injuries lead to immobility and premature dependency. It is important therefore, for family members to examine the person’s environment critically to assess how the home can be made safer and what innovations or changes are required to make it as hazard-free as possible. In your overview, consider how
to prevent falls, how to avoid accidental burns or accidental poisoning or injury.

Some Steps Towards Preventing Accidents

Note: the actions will vary, depending on the type of housing and furnishings; therefore the information provided, has to be general.

Inside the House

In the Bedroom

• Have a telephone installed with the emergency numbers listed plainly.

• Place the bed against the wall so it can’t move, if the person misses a step and falls against it.

• Ensure that the lamp or a light switch is reachable from the bed.

• Check that the floor is neither slippery nor covered in tatty or slippery rugs.

• See that there are not any dangling electrical cords over which one may trip.

In the Bathroom

• Ensure that the floor is non-slip.

• Handrails against the wall can provide extra support (make sure that the bars are properly installed).

• A rubber mat in the bottom of the bath or the showerstall can make the area more secure.

In the Kitchen

• Install a fire extinguisher.

• Store china, pots/pans, foodstuffs on easily accessible shelves.

• Warn against climbing on chairs to reach into upper-level cupboards or to adjust or clean windows.

• Don’t have mats on the floor.

In the Living Room

• Ensure that hinged-leaf tables are safe if leaned on.

• Check that unsecured bookshelves cannot topple over and crush somebody.

• Keep furniture with sharp edges out of thoroughfares.

• Do not have slippery or tatty rugs on the floor.

• Install a fireguard around a fireplace.

• Do not have any glass top tables.

Stairs

• See that they are well-lit; have light switches at the top and bottom.

• Check that railings are secure.

• Make sure that any covering is well laid and not worn.

Passageways

• Ensure that there are not any dangling electrical cords or worn, slippery mats.

• See that the passages are well-lit and clutter-free.

Generally

• Look at the individual’s whole capabilities and needs. Evaluate his whole physical setting to deal with meeting those needs. The following are steps you may decide need to be taken to make the environment more disabled-friendly:

• Check that the water temperature is not so hot it could scald somebody.

• Carefully dispose of old drugs (frequently).

• Have the person wear flame-resistant clothes; eliminate clothing with loose, floppy sleeves as they may catch fire over a stove.

• Have all electric-wiring checked by a professional.

• Have a fire alarm installed and make sure it is functional at all times.

• Practice exiting procedures in case of fire.

• Check all electric cords for wear and tear.

• If a fireplace is used, have the chimney cleaned regularly.

• If possible, have electric sockets positioned where they are accessible.

• See that the person wears well-fitting shoes; without laces. Be sure he knows the movements involved in getting up from the floor, should he fall.

• If a wheelchair is used, see that it functions properly.

• If a walking cane is used, have a rubber tip put on the end to stop slippage.

Especially if he is mentally impaired

• Identify and remove any objects that may be dangerous; cigarettes, pipes, matches; blenders; toasters, kettles; food processors; sharp knives and long-pronged forks; can-openers.

• Space heaters, electric fans may pose a threat to a very forgetful, or disoriented person.

• Pull the circuit breaker to the electric stove each night before going to bed.

• Watch that any electrical appliances are used with great care near water make sure he can use an electric razor, heater, radio, etc. in the bathroom or kitchen without coming into contact with water.

• Guard against all electrically-related injuries.

• Hide all sharp or breakable objects.

• Keep an extra key handy in case the person locks you out.

• If he has any mobility problems at all; buy him knee-length robes to prevent tripping accidents.

• Store cleaning substances out of reach.

• Store alcohol out of reach.

• Ask the utility company to come and advise on how to make the stove-top safe.

• Make sure that the cold water is always run into the bath or shower first.

• If an emergency alarm system is used, make sure that it is functioning as intended.

• If the person lives alone, you, another family member or a neighbor, should call (if possibly affordable), at a certain time(s) daily to ensure he is alright (calling may also serve to make him feel more secure).

• Post emergency phone numbers beside every telephone.

Outside the House

• Ensure that paths and porches are even and free of obstructions.

• Repair any broken steps.

• Use adequate lighting at night.

• See that tree branches are pruned above eye level.

Especially If the Person is Mentally Impaired

• If the person is mentally impaired, don’t allow him access to the car, power tools, lawnmowers or anything which may lead to injury, either to him or somebody else.

In the Summer

• Try to ensure that the person drinks enough fluids.

• Keep the environment comfortably cool.

• Discourage any exhausting activity.

• See that clothing is loose-fitting and summery (cottons are cooler than synthetics).

• Watch for hyperthermia.

Summer heat is a real threat to the elderly; certain health conditions may make some even more vulnerable; as may be those with weight problems (both overweight and underweight). Heat stroke or heat exhaustion are medical emergencies.

Ways of preventing hyperthermia

• Drinking lots of fluids.

• Wearing light-weight, loose-fitting clothing.

• Minimizing oven use.

• Avoiding strenuous activity.

• Good ventilation; keeping the place as cool as is possible.

In the Winter

• Indoor temperatures should not fall below the comfort level the person is used to (preferably around 70 degrees).

• Be alerted to the possibility that he can no longer read the thermostat.

• Be aware that to save money, many old people turn their thermostats down.

• Know that some drugs and alcohol may pre-dispose some people to hypothermia.

• If you suspect hypothermia, call the doctor immediately.

Actions that may be taken to prevent hypothermia

• Keep the temperature at a livable, constant level.

• Make sure the person is warm enough.

• If you live at a distance, ask a friend or neighbor to check periodically, preferably randomly, on the temperature in the person’s residence.

• Install a large print thermometer.