Senior Safety Tips

General Safety Tips

  • Consider a medical alert or a buddy system.
  • Keep a fire extinguisher and smoke detector on every floor.
  • Use extreme caution when smoking. Never smoke when alone or in bed.Always stand up slowly after sitting or lying down. Take your time.
  • Wear proper fitting shoes with low heels.
  • Use a correctly measured walking aid.
  • Remove or tack down all scatter rugs.
  • Remove electrical or telephone cords from traffic areas.
  • Avoid using slippery wax on floors and wipe spills promptly.
  • Avoid standing on ladders or chairs.
  • Have sturdy rails for all stairs insideand outside the house.
  • Use only non-glare 100 watt or greater bulbs
  • Make sure that all stair cases have good lighting with switches at top and bottom.
  • Staircase steps should have a non-slip surface.

Safe Guarding the Rooms in Your Home

In the Bathroom

  • Use night lights.
  • Use recommended bath aids, securely installed on the walls of the bath/shower stall and on the sides of the toilet.
  • Skid-proof the tub and make sure the bath mat has a non-slip bottom.
  • To avoid scalds, turn water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or below.
  • Mark cold and hot faucets clearly.
  • Use door locks that can be opened from both sides.

In the Kitchen

  • Keep floors clean and uncluttered.
  • Illuminate work areas.
  • Mark “on” and “off” positions on appliances clearly and with bright colors.
  • Store sharp knives in a rack.
  • Use a kettle with an automatic shut off.
  • Store heavier objects at waist level.
  • Store hazardous items separate from food.
  • Avoid wearing long, loose clothing when cooking over the stove.
  • Make sure food is rotated regularly. Check expiration dates.

Prescription Errors – Drug Safety

  • Review your medicines frequently with your doctor or pharmacist.
  • Make sure medicines are clearly labeled.
  • Read medicine labels. Make sure you have the right medicine and the correct dosage
  • Dispose of any old or used medicines.
  • Never borrow prescription drugs from others.
  • Check with your doctor or pharmacist before you mix alcohol and your drugs.
  • Have medication dispensed in a bubble pack or convenient dispenser.

Smoke Alarms – Small Fires
Plan a time each fall and spring to “test” your smoke alarms and replace batteries.

Heat Stroke Prevention

  • Stay indoors during extreme heat. Temperatures inside the home should not exceed 85 degrees.
  • Know the signs (e.g flushed face, high body temperature, headache, nausea, rapid pulse, dizziness and confusion).
  • Drink plenty of liquids to stay hydrated. Avoid caffeinated and alcohol.
  • Wear loose-fitting cotton clothes. Did you know that dressing in light colors will deflect sun? Dark colors attract heat. Wear hats, sunglasses and a sunscreen of 30 SPF.
  • If you do not have air conditioning, go to a movie theater, mall, a friend or relative’s home or a community senior center.
  • If you need to get out of the house and don’t drive a car, call a taxi, a friend or a transportation service. Do NOT wait outside for the bus in extreme heat.
  • Take a cool bath or shower to lower your body temperature.