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Home Safety
As we age we experience many changes in our lives and lifestyles.
Things such as medications, eyesight, strength, appetite, memory, balance,
and mobility may put us at risk for injury. It’s a good idea to look at your
home objectively and make whatever changes you need to ensure that it is as safe
as possible.
In Case of Emergency
- Keep vital information about you and your medications close at hand.
- Post an emergency phone list where it is visible near every phone. (In
Connecticut, dialing 9-1-1 will connect you to police, fire, and
medical help.)
- At the top of the list, put your own name, address and phone number
(it’s amazing how you can forget these things in an emergency!).
- Include the names and numbers of relatives and friends, and doctors.
- Have a “buddy” list if living alone.
- Set up a system of phone check-ins with family and/or friends.
- Install an emergency response system such as Lifeline
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Prevent falls.
- Remove throw rugs.
- Get rid of clutter.
- Make sure hallways and bathrooms have enough light.
- Keep floors dry.
- Wear sturdy footwear (throw away those “comfy” slippers that have no
support.)
- Keep frequently used items within easy reach.
- Install hand rails if needed.
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Practice fire safety.
- Use smoke detectors. Check them once a month to make sure they work and
change the batteries at least twice a year.
- Plan escape routes for everyone in the home and have a predetermined
meeting place.
- Keep an updated fire extinguisher in the home.
- Check electrical cords for fraying.
- Don’t overload outlets or use extension cords.
Bathroom safety.
- Install grab bars (towel racks and sinks are not safe as they can pull
out of the wall) and consider a raised toilet seat.
- Lower the temperature of hot water.
- Use non-skid mats.
Evaluate Your Home’s Safety
As you move about your home pay attention to things you find difficult to do.
See if you find yourself saying,, “I wish I could…” or “It would be easier for
me if…” or “It’s hard for me to…” Fill in the blanks and write them down, and
then talk to your healthcare professional. There’s most likely something
available to assist you. For example, if you drop something and say to yourself,
“It’s hard for me to bend over to pick things up,” you may benefit from having a
“reacher.” You don’t have to know its name, just describe the problem.
There are many places to get home safety items – medical equipment suppliers,
pharmacies, and hardware stores. Many of these items are not paid for by
insurance or Medicare, but you should always ask anyway.
If you would like help evaluating the safety of your home, contact:
VNA HEALTH CARE
Toll Free:
1.800.HOMECARE (1.800.466.3227)
CLICK HERE
to learn more about VNA Health Care
MidState VNA & Hospice
203.235.5714
CLICK HERE to learn more
about MidState VNA & Hospice On the Web:
CT Collaboration for Fall Prevention:
www.fallprevention.org
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