Western Mountains Senior College member Jacqueline Cressy, from the Age-Friendly Community Initiative, reminded us how to stay safe in our homes at a recent To Your Health presentation. Older adults represent the population most likely to be injured from a fall or in a fire, and many of these injuries are preventable. Here are some of the points Jackie made.
How to Prevent Falls:
How to Prevent Falls:
- Exercise regularly to improve strength and balance.Take your time getting out of bed or out of a chair. Stand and get your balance before walking.
- Keep stairs and walking areas clear of electrical wires, shoes, books, etc.
- Improve lighting and get yearly vision checkups.
- Use non-slips mats in the tub or shower and install grab bars.
- Be aware of uneven surfaces, indoors and out.
- Stairways should be well lit, with easy to grab handrails on both sides.
- Wear sturdy, well-fitting, low heel shoes with non-slip soles – even in the house.
How to Prevent Fires:
- If you smoke, smoke outside.
- Keep space heaters at least three feet away from anything that will burn. Shut off heaters when you leave or go to bed.
- Stay in the kitchen when cooking – especially when frying food.
- Stop, drop, and roll if your clothes catch on fire – Do Not Run.
- Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of your home. Local fire departments are available to do this for us – just call and ask.
- Plan and practice your fire escape route.
- Know your emergency number – for us it is 911.
- Plan your escape around your abilities - keep your phone, glasses, medication, walker etc. by your bed so you can grab them in an emergency.
For more information on the Age-Friendly Community Initiative visit their website http://www.agefriendlybethel.org/
