HOME SAFETY FOR SENIORS
Provided by Visiting Angels Senior Care and 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?
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 GFI outlets installed in these areas.
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 waist 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.
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 *Dispose of any old and/or outdated medications.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.
GENERAL SAFETY TIPS: *Keep fire extinguisher and smoke detector on every floor. Seek an 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.
Please BE SAFE!!
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".
In the Albuquerque Area contact Visiting Angels Senior Care today for your Free Consultation and In-home Assessment! (505) 821-7500
Tony Olmi, Broker
(SRES) Seniors Real Estate Specialist®
La Entrada Realty (505) 924-1031
www.TonyOlmiRealtor.com
Comments(2)