SAFETY
AT HOME – Safety for Older Adults
Modern medical
advances and improvements in health care have contributed to increased
longevity for many individuals. In fact
aging trend predictions in Arizona indicate that:
By 2030,
25% of Arizona’s population will be aged 65 and over.
This propensity for longer lives,
however, brings new health concerns for our aging citizens. How can you as a caregiver or older adult
ensure that our lives are not only longer but also healthy and productive? The solution to this challenge lies heavily
in the practice of injury prevention.
Statistics estimate
that 59% of all falls occur to people over 75, although they comprise only 5%
of the general population. And sadly, 50% of patients who survive a fall never
recover their normal level of activity.
Preventing Dizziness
Take medications only as prescribed.
Consult with your doctor or a pharmacist to avoid adverse reactions when
taking multiple medications. Do not mix alcohol with any type of prescription
drug or over the counter medications.
Ensure that your diet is balanced, healthy, and meets any specialized
nutritional needs.
Enroll in home-delivered meal programs at the community food
bank if needed.
Avoid
moving
directly
from a lying position
to a sitting position. Instead move slowly from lying to sitting. Sit for a few
moments before standing to ensure adequate balance.
Don’t
overexert yourself. Rest when you
feel tired.
Preventing Falls
Do Not use throw rugs without non-skid backing on one side.
Keep paths from bed to bath clear and uncluttered.
Keep extension cords out of pathways.
Ensure the lighting in your
home is adequate. Install night lights if necessary.
Keep kitchen and bathroom floors dry uncluttered. Clean up wet spills immediately. Get
assistance with household
cleaning if needed.
Ensure that stairs are in good working condition. Many communities
have
agencies that perform home repairs
at little or no cost.
Store frequently used items in low cabinets. Use step stools when reaching for items on higher shelves.