Statistics show that one out of three senior citizens experiences an accident in their home every single year in the United States. While there are all sorts of causes for getting hurt, usually it’s a result of preventable circumstances. Whether a fall results in a serious injury or not, you’re better off avoiding them altogether since the older you get, the more susceptible you can be to a fatal injury. Here are some of the best tips for staying safe at home as a senior.
Stay Aware of Flooring
One of the most common reasons for slips and falls at home is unsafe floors or loose rugs. Make sure that you choose flooring which isn’t too slick and easy to fall on. In addition to choosing the correct type of flooring, you should also consider getting rid of your rugs. Older senior citizens who get around with a walker or cane risk tripping over the corner of a rug and seriously injuring themselves. Although rugs may be a lovely addition to your home’s decor, they don’t come without the risks of tripping and falling.
See Your Doctor Regularly
Whether you live alone, or with your spouse who is also a senior citizen, it’s important that you get regular checkups with the doctor. Your doctor will be able to catch any health concerns early on and diagnose them before it worsens into a bigger problem. Your doctor can give you health tips to ensure that you’re following the best practices in your living situation, and answer any concerns you may have regarding your health and wellness.
Stay Aware of Fire Hazards
Fire safety is a critical part of staying safe in any home. However, as a senior citizen, you should take extra care to look out for fire risks. One of the most practical ways to prevent fire in your home is to avoid using the stove or oven as much as possible. Make sure that all of your fire detectors are in working order, and consider installing a carbon monoxide detector as well. For extra added safety, you should seriously consider a fire extinguisher within reaching distance.
Keep a Phone Accessible
One of the best ways to ensure that you’ll get help if something goes wrong at home is to keep a phone nearby where you can reach it in the event of an emergency. Whether it’s a landline or a cell phone, always make sure that you’re able to reach a phone if you’re in need of one.
Some senior citizens go the added extra mile of keeping a panic device on them in case they can’t reach a phone. That way they know that help will come with a simple click of a button.
