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Create a Safe Environment for Aging Loved Ones
WESTPORT, Conn., October 16, 2006 – Just about everyone has
heard of “childproofing”
a home for safety but what about “elderproofing?”
In fact, for the millions of individuals who now provide care to aging loved
ones, assessing the senior-friendliness of a home and eliminating potential
hazards is a top priority. Taking certain precautions will make a home safer
and enable seniors to live more comfortably and independently.
The following room-by-room suggestions are a good place to
begin:
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Home entrance:
Add lighting to the walkway and at the front door for better visibility.
Install dead bolts on the front and back doors and ensure that they turn
easily. Trim bushes that obscure walkways. A grab bar near the front door
is helpful if there is a significant step up to enter the home. Adjust storm
door closers to avoid bumping the user, potentially threatening balance.
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Floors: Waxed floors,
throw rugs and shag carpets may cause falls. If these slip/trip hazards
cannot be removed, put double-faced tape or rubber mats under area rugs,
runners and mats to prevent falls. Keep high-traffic areas evenly lit and
free of obstacles such as low furniture, toys or newspapers.
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Stairways: Light
stairways evenly and brightly so the edges of the steps can be clearly seen.
Add a contrasting color strip to the first and last steps to identify a
change of level. Install sturdy handrails on both sides of the stairs and
make sure handrails extend past the last step. Secure treads or carpet with
tacks/nails; ensure tacks/nails don't protrude. Install light switches at
the bottoms and tops of stairs.
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Bathrooms: Install
bars or handrails next to toilets and in the shower or bathtub. Consider
installing portable grab bars that fit over the bathtub ledge. Put a rubber
bath mat in the tub. Add a bath bench in the tub, if necessary. Keep all
medicines separate from cleaning supplies and always store medications in
their original, clearly labeled containers.
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Bedroom: Install
a smoke alarm and prepare an escape route in advance. Provide a night light
or additional lighting in the bedroom and in the hallway. Never tuck electric
blankets into the bed linens to prevent burning the user. Place the bed
within easy reach of a light switch, or install touch lamps or audio-sensitive
switches. Keep a telephone with large buttons next to the bed with important
numbers posted on it and programmed into speed dial.
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Kitchen: Install
a smoke alarm and keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen. Check stove for
proper ventilation; make sure electrical stoves are grounded and that gas
stoves have no leaks. To avoid a potential fire hazard, purchase a whistling
tea kettle and keep flammable materials (such as potholders) away from the
oven and stove. Install bright ceiling lighting and additional task lighting
over the stove and counters where food is prepared. Attach long handles
to dustpans and brooms so trash can be picked up from either a sitting or
standing position.
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Living Room: Select
couches and chairs that have arms and that are not too deep or too low.
Consider buying a chair that automatically raises the user to standing position.
Select tables that are not too low. Remove any piece of furniture that will
not support a person's weight if leaned upon. Tack all electrical cords
to the baseboards to prevent tripping. |
In addition, caregivers should be aware that falls are an all-too-common
occurrence—and are often avoidable. Caregivers should attend regularly
to hanging plants, ceiling light fixtures, rain gutters, etc. Items throughout
the house—and particularly in the kitchen—should be removed from high
shelving and cupboards and placed within easy reach.
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LifeCare's Successful
Aging & Caregiving series was created for
reporters who write about aging, adult caregiving and
other challenges of mid-life. Reporters may reprint
the information presented here in whole or in part,
with attribution to LifeCare, Inc.
If you would like more information about a particular topic
or wish to speak to one of LifeCare's Successful AgingSM experts,
please contact Michael Civiello, manager—marketing and media relations,
at 203-291-4170 or pr1@lifecare.com.
About LifeCare®, Inc.
For 22 years, LifeCare has provided people with customized care plans for all
aspects of their personal and professional lives, including elder care and healthy
aging, child care and parenting, education and personal growth, financial and
legal matters, and more. LifeCare's Successful AgingSM Services help
individuals resolve the full spectrum of mid-life and aging issues, including
adult caregiving, cognitive health issues, legal and financial matters, and
pre- and post retirement planning. LifeCare serves 1,500 client companies with
4.5 million individuals within corporations, health plans, government agencies
and unions. For more information, visit www.lifecare.com.
Media contact: Michael Civiello
LifeCare, Inc.
pr1@lifecare.com
203-291-4170
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