Older residents are at high risk for injury inside their own home. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that 1.4 million people who are 65 years or older are treated in the hospital or emergency room for injuries that occur at home. Falls are by far the most common injury older adults encounter, with fires being a close second.
Many of the causes of these injuries are preventable. Just by taking the time to walk around the house and identify potential hazards, you could save your life or the life of an aging loved one.
Tips for Keeping Seniors Safe at Home
Whether your older loved ones live with you or live alone, you can participate in their safety. Even if you cannot monitor them daily, there are ways to decrease the risk of injury.
- Every level of the home, especially outside sleeping areas should have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors installed. These can be linked to a home security and fire alarm system for extra protection.
- Establish an emergency escape plan with your elderly loved ones. If there is a caregiver present, make sure they understand and practice the escape plan too.
- Install a working fire extinguisher in the kitchen and rooms where an open flame is present (such as a living room with a fireplace).
- Do not leave space heaters on in a room that is not occupied. Never place a space heater near flammable materials such as bedding or curtains. Heaters should be at least three feet away from all flammables.
- Use rails or banisters on stairwells, inside showers, and even on the sides of beds so your loved ones can easily pull themselves up.
- Use no-skid tape on staircases, under rugs and only use non-slip mats in the bathroom to prevent falls.
- Install a home security system to keep everyone safe. Unfortunately, burglars look for older individuals who live at home alone as potential targets.
GuardMe wants to help keep your family safe. From alarm systems to fire monitoring, we have the tools to help protect older residents living at home.
Call the GuardMe Security experts today at (800) 235-0644 or ask a question online to learn more about our home security systems.