HOME SAFETY FOR SENIORS

Provided by Visiting Angels & La Entrada Realty

Have you been winterized?

Had your Flu shot & Prescriptions filled? Stored healthy food in your home? Handy list of emergency numbers? *Furnace inspected for Carbon Monoxide? Snow shovel, sidewalk deicer? A friend or family member to check in with regularly? Had your car serviced (gas filled up, anti-freeze, good tread on your tires, wiper blades, lights, etc.)? Extra warm clothes, blankets, and food in your car?

Regular Safety Tips

BATHROOM: *Leave a light on at night. *Use recommended bath aids, securely installed on the walls of the bath/shower stall and the side of the toilet. *Skid-proof the tub and ensure the bath mat has a non-slip bottom. *Avoid scalds by turning water heater to 120 degrees F or below. *Mark hot and cold faucets clearly. *Use door locks that can be opened from both sides. *If possible, bathe when there is help available. *Never use electrical appliances near water in tub, shower, sink, or other wet areas. Have GFIs installed in these areas.

DRUG SAFETY: *Review medications often with doctor and/or Pharmacist. *Be sure YOUR medications are LABELED CLEARLY.

*Read the labels in good light to ensure the right medicine and take the correct doses. *dispose of any old and/or outdated medications.

*NEVER borrow prescriptions from others. *Check with your doctor/pharmacist before missing prescription drugs with non- prescription drugs. *Set up a weekly pill minder to ensure you are taking all your medications at the right time and correct amount.

KITCHEN: *Keep floors clean and uncluttered. * Illuminate work areas. *Mark ON and OFF positions on appliances clearly and with bright colors. *Store sharp knives separately to ensure safety. *Use a teakettle with an automatic shut-off. *Store heavier objects at waste level. *Store hazardous items separate from food items. *Avoid wearing loose clothing when cooking over the stove or fireplace. *clean up spills on floors that may cause someone to slip.

GENERAL SAFETY TIPS: *Keep fire extinguisher and smoke detector on every floor. Seek and expert assessment. *Always get up slowly after sitting or lying down. Make sure you have your balance. *Wear proper fitting shoes with low heals. *Use a properly measured walking aid. *Remove electrical and phone lines from traffic areas.

*Avoid using slippery wax on floors. *Avoid standing on ladders and chairs. *Don't be afraid or too proud to ask for help! *Have sturdy rails for ALL stairs inside and outside the home with good lighting and switches at top and bottom. *Staircases & steps should have non-slip surfaces. *Is your furniture or other clutter in the way? *Be careful of pets getting underfoot or jumping.

Please add to these tips and share them with family & friends.

NOTE: This list of "suggestions" has been compiled from personal observations and other sources. They are not intended to be all inclusive. Professionals, in their area of "expertise", should ALWAYS be consulted. Have family & friends help you with a "safety audit".

Please BE SAFE!!

Call Visiting Angels Today for your Free Consultation and Assessment! (505) 821-7500bu

Tony Olmi, Broker

(SRES) Seniors Real Estate Specialist

La Entrada Realty (505) 924-1031