'Tis the season for slips and falls! Icy sidewalks, snowy paths..... and inside the house?
Here is a check list of safety precautions for the older members of the family. If your frail elderly mother is moving in with you, or Grandad is coming to stay it is a good idea to go through the house and check for hazards and add a few safety features before they come.
Safety Bed Rail
Front path and steps
Make sure that the paths to the house are even, no major cracks, roots or rocks.Keep steps and paths clear of snow and ice.Check the stairs - no holes or uneven concrete.Hand rails, both sides if possible.Path and front entrance well lit. Movement-detector lights work well.
Entrance, Hallways and Stairs
Declutter - make sure that shoes are put away and outdoor clothes hung up. If there are children, teach them to put their toys away.Lighting - halls and stairs should be well lit. A night light in the hall between bedroom and bathroom is vital.Take up any loose mats that could be a tripping hazard.Check that stair rails are secure.
Bedrooms
No loose mats or rugsMake room around the bed, especially if your elderly Mom or Dad uses a walker.Have an easy to reach lamp by the bed. If it is awkward to reach the lamp, a sound activated ("clap-on - clap-off") lamp will help.A phone beside the bed.For folks stiff with arthritis or others who may feel light-headed when they first stand up, a bed assist handle is a great help in preventing falls.Again, keep the area around the bed as clutter-free as possible.
Bathroom
Where possible install wall bars at the end (tap end) of the bathtub and one on the far wall. A wall bar beside the toilet may also help.Some all in one piece, preformed tub surrounds should not have wall bars added. Clamp-on tub grips, or a floor-to-ceiling pole next to the tub can be used.Use non-slip mats in the tub or shower.A tub or shower stool is useful for those with poor balance.Any medications should be clearly marked. A dosette or blister pack will make it easy to keep track that the medications are taken as prescribed.
Living Room
Remove loose rugs and matsMake sure that there is room for a walker if one is used - coffee tables often have to be moved out of the way.Avoid rocking/swivelling chairsLoose electrical cords are a tripping hazard. Route them away from traffic areas where possible, or use duct tape to fix them to the floor.A portable telephone is safer than a fixed phone. Many falls occur when people are rushing to answer the phone. Keep the handset nearby at all times, putting it back in its charger beside the bed overnight.Have good lighting, easy to reach switches.
Kitchen
Make sure that essential utensils are easy to reachUse a sturdy step stool to reach higher cupboardsHave a smoke alarm and be sure to check the batteries regularlyIf your older person has fairly severe memory loss, it may be necessary to limit their cooking or even unplug the stove.See that any spills are quickly wiped up.
This may all seem quite overwhelming, but most homes need only a few adjustments. After all, some simple precautions could save a broken hip or worse.