Home Safety Tips - Elderly

Home safety considerations should be made for the elderly because they may have slower reaction times, lack of mobility, or they may be hearing impaired. The following tips will help protect the seniors you love.

1. Install smoke and CO alarms on every level of their home and in every bedroom. These alarms should be checked monthly and replaced every 10 years. New detector technology is available for the hearing impaired or those not able to see well.

2. Practice an Escape Plan. Locate 2 ways out of each room and designate a safe place to meet outside.

3. As we get older our physical strength and balance diminishes. Consider installing hand rails in the shower and make sure all rugs have a non slip surface. A good set of comfortable shoes may also help prevent falls.

4. Ensure all walkways are clear of obstructions and well lit. Be mindful of uneven sidewalks, slippery walkways, loose handrails, icy drive ways and items left on stairs.

5. It is important that in an emergency everyone gets out of the house fast. This can be especially challenging at night. To speed up the escape, keep everything that you may need conveniently near the bed. Eyeglasses, walker, phone and flashlight should always be in reach.

6. Consider subscribing to an emergency assist company. A wristband or necklace can be provided to alert emergency services that you need help.

7. Have your emergency information printed or written down for the responding medical units. This list should include your name, birthday, past medical history, any allergies, medications and standing medical orders.

8. Never use your oven or gas stove to heat the house! If you are using a portable heater keep it at least three feet from anything that could ignite, like curtains, furniture or paper.

9. All heating appliances, wood stoves and your chimney should be inspected by a professional annually.

10. If oxygen is in use, no one entering the home should smoke or use open flames! Oxygen is extremely flammable. Signs should be clearly posted warning people of the danger.

11. Staying in the kitchen is the safest option while cooking. If you must leave, it is encouraged that you set a timer or bring a cooking utensil (spatula, oven mitt) with you as a cooking reminder.

12. If a fire starts in the oven, simply turn the oven off and keep the door closed. A fire on the stove top should be smothered with the lid and the burner should be safely turned off.

13. Have a kitchen extinguisher handy and learn how to use one. Make sure it stays in the same place so you can find it quickly when you need it. A small canister extinguisher is available and less intimidating than the traditional pin type.

14. If you are not comfortable extinguishing a small fire, then you should escape using your predetermined escape route and call the fire department immediately.

15. Get to know your neighbors. Have your family, friends' and neighbors' phone numbers listed near the phone and schedule regular visits.

I hope these simple tips keep you and your loved ones safe.

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