Home Safety for Seniors

Contents:

• General
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Drug Safety

General

• 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 get up slowly after sitting or lying down. Take your time, and make sure you have your balance.
  
• Wear proper fitting shoes with low heels.
  
• Use a correctly measured walking aid.
  
• Remove scatter rugs. Tack down all others.
  
• Remove electrical or telephone cords from traffic areas.
  
• Avoid using slippery wax on floors.
  
• Wipe up spills promptly.
  
• Avoid standing on ladders or chairs.
  
• Have sturdy rails for all stairs inside and outside the house.
  
• Use only non-glare 100 watt bulbs (or greater wattage).
  
• Make sure that all stair cases have good lighting with switches at top and bottom.
  
• Staircase steps should have a non-slip surface.

Bathroom

• Leave a light on in your bathroom at night.
  
• 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.
  
• If possible, bathe when help is available.

Kitchen

• Keep floors clean and uncluttered.
  
• Illuminate work areas.
  
• Mark "on" and "off" positions on appliances clearly and with bright color.
  
• 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, lose clothing when cooking over the stove.

Drug Safety

• Review your medicines frequently with your doctor or pharmacist and when you take new medication.
  
• Make sure your medicines are clearly labeled.
  
• Read medicine labels in good light to ensure you have the right medicine and always take the correct dose.
  
• 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 dosette.
  
• Check with your doctor or pharmacist before mixing non-prescription drugs and prescription drugs.