eHow launches Android app: Get the best of eHow on the go.

How To

How to Prevent Accidents at Home

Contributor
By DrJewell
eHow Contributing Writer
(0 Ratings)

The home can be a place of many potential accidents, especially for the elderly or young children. It is imperative that we maintain a safe house by taking some safety precautions and self-care tips.
This article will give some advice to help prevent falls and injuries.

Difficulty: Easy
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Install handrails in the shower and besides the toilet. Keep non-slip mats in the bath tub to prevent slipping. This is vitally important for elderly or disabled people and young children to prevent injuries and bruises.

  2. Step 2

    Keep all rooms and hallways well-lit to prevent falling and bumping into things. Switch to energy efficient light bulbs to conserve on energy and reduce electric bills.

  3. Step 3

    Elderly people may have vision problems which could be a factor in causing falls and injuries. Make sure you have a regular vision checkup and wear glasses or contact lenses if it is required.

  4. Step 4

    Avoid standing on chairs, stools or ladders. It is advisable to have another person with you if you have to climb ladders or chairs, so they can provide you with additional support. Make sure you can reach all the items easily in the house. Avoid storing items in cupboards or storage places that are difficult to reach.

  5. Step 5

    Often accidents in the home are caused by tripping over items and objects left lying on the floors. It is important to keep the hallways clear of boxes, cables, paper, clothing and toys.

  6. Step 6

    For elderly or disabled people it is important to use a walking cane or walker to move around your home, especially if there is parquet or wooden flooring. Additionally, it is important to securely tape down rugs and mats to the floor to prevent slipping

  7. Step 7

    Wear shoes with non-slip souls or flat shoes in the home to prevent falling. Never wear socks on parquet flooring. This will increase the risk of serious injuries from slipping and falling.

  8. Step 8

    Maintain regular physical exercise and stay active by engaging in sports, yoga and/or walking. Eat a healthy, balanced meal and drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Tips & Warnings
  • Don't drink alcohol or smoke.
  • Check with your doctor if you are experiencing dizzy spells from your medications.
  • This article is not a replacement or substitute for seeking medical attention from your own medical doctor or health care professional.
Subscribe

Post a Comment

Post a Comment

Related Ads

  • Have you done this? Click here to let us know.
I Did This
Get Free Health Newsletters

Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.   en-US Portions of this page are modifications based on work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License.

Live Strong Partner
Livestrong_eHow Health