Things You'll Need:
- A notebook & pencil is all you need surveying your home for safety.
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Step 1
At most risk for injury, are the aging. According to the Home Safety Council, slips and falls are the leading cause of home injury death in the United States. Each year, more than 7,000 adults age 65 and older die from unintentional home injuries. Falls alone account for 66% of all home injuries for adults age 65 and older, totaling over 2.3 million accidents per year.
Taking precautionary steps to prevent accidents has been shown to reduce injuries in the aging. In the past, grab bars and other safety features were unsightly and institutional. Now, safety features are available in many models and finishes, to fit any decor. Most can be easily installed by a handyman or relative.
Let’s examine a key area for preventing falls and maintaining security, the entrance ways of your home. Check the following items to assess your home’ s level of safety: -
Step 2
Are the stairs on any of your walkways chipped or broken?
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Step 3
Measure the width of your walkways – would they be wide enough for a wheelchair? (standard wheelchair is 30 inches wide, 48 inches long)
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Step 4
Check all steps inside & out for steep height between risers. You may want to consider replacing steps that are too steep with a ramp, or installing a bypass ramp to your entrance.
Comments
Seniorsafety said
on 6/8/2009 You have presented the basics in a clear easy-to-follow sequence. I share your concern to help keep seniors safe in their homes. Nice work.http://seniorsafetyathome.org
guardtoday said
on 4/12/2008 Great information that we sometimes do not think of once a year its a great idea to go to your parents home and check for their safety. Good tips Thanks
Safe & Secure http://www.guardyourselfnow.com