Century Park Blog

With a growing number of older adults living independently, it’s increasingly important to make sure they are safe at home. Falls, burns and poisonings are among the most common accidents involving older people. If you are an older adult living on your own, or care for an older person living alone, here’s what you need to do to stay safe.

Keep emergency numbers handy

Always keep a list of emergency numbers by each phone. Write the information in large enough print that you can easily read it. List numbers for:

• 911
• Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222
• Family member or friend to call in case of emergency
• Healthcare provider’s office

Prevent falls

• If you have difficulty with walking or balance, or have fallen in the past year, talk to your healthcare provider about having a special falls risk assessment done.
• Ask your provider if you would benefit from an exercise program to prevent falls.
• Don’t rush to answer the phone as many fall trying to answer the phone. Either carry a cordless or cell phone or let the answering machine pick up.
• When walking on smooth floors, wear non-slip footwear, such as slippers with no-slip bottoms or flat, thin-soled shoes that fit well.
• If you have a cane or walker, use it at all times instead of holding onto walls and furniture.

Safety-proof your home

• Make sure all hallways, stairs, and paths are well lit and clear of objects such as books or shoes.
• Use rails and banisters when going up and down the stairs. Never place scatter rugs at the bottom or top of stairs.

Avoid bathroom hazards

• Have grab bars installed in the shower and near the toilet to make getting around easier and safer.
• Put rubber mats in the bathtub to prevent slipping.
• Set the thermostat on the water heater no higher than 120 degrees to prevent scalding.

Prevent poisoning

Carbon monoxide

• Never try to heat your home with your stove, oven or grill since these can give off carbon monoxide – a deadly gas that you cannot see or smell.

Medications

• Keep all medications in their original containers so you don’t mix up medicines.
• Ask your pharmacist to put large-print labels on your medications to make them easier to read.
• Take your medications in a well-lit room so you can see the labels.

Cleaning products

• Never mix bleach, ammonia or other cleaning liquids together when you are cleaning. When mixed, cleaning liquids can create deadly gases.

Protect against fire and related dangers

• If there is a fire in your home, don’t try to put it out. Leave and call 911.
• When you are cooking, don’t wear loose clothes or clothes with long sleeves.
• Replace appliances that have fraying or damaged electrical cords.
• Install a smoke detector and replace the battery twice a year.
• Make sure heaters are at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn, such as curtains, bedding or furniture. Turn off space heaters when you leave the room.

Protect against abuse

• Keep your windows and doors locked at all times.
• Never let a stranger into your home when you are there alone.
• Do not share your personal information, such as social security number, credit card, bank information or account passwords with people you do not know who contact you.
• Always ask for written information about any offers, prizes, or charities and wait to respond until you have reviewed the information.
• Do not let yourself be pressured into making purchases, signing contracts or making donations. It is never rude to wait and discuss the plans with a family member or friend.