| As a family caregiver, it is important to | | | | 11. Make sure chair seats are twenty inches high. |
| safe-proof your home. Falls are the seventh | | | | 12. Make sure all rooms have adequate lighting. In |
| leading cause of death in persons over the age of | | | | addition, use automatic night lights in every room. |
| 65. There are a variety of reasons for falls, such | | | | 13. Develop and practice a fire-escape plan. Keep |
| as falls from ladders or scaffolding, falls from | | | | clear the fire escape routes. |
| slipping, tumbling or tripping. | | | | 14. Place a smoke alarm in every bedroom and |
| It is important to know the hazards and then | | | | on every floor. |
| take the necessary precautions. It is important to | | | | 15. Place a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and |
| constantly be alert. | | | | bedroom. Make sure it is in date. |
| Here are some general safety tips to help reduce | | | | 16. The water heater thermostat is set at 120 |
| or eliminate hazards in your home. | | | | degrees F or lower. |
| 1. Emergency telephone numbers and your | | | | 17. Medications are stored in a safe place. |
| address should be posted by each telephone. | | | | 18. Keep several flashlights (and back-up batteries) |
| 2. Ideally the home or living area should be on one | | | | on hand in case of a power failure. Do not use |
| level, and preferably the ground level. Stairs are a | | | | candles as they are a fire hazard. |
| big danger for elderly people. | | | | 19. Never use a chair or a box in place of sturdy |
| 3. Inside and outside door handles and locks should | | | | ladder. |
| be easy to operate. Lever-action handles are | | | | 20. Do not have an electric lamp cord trailing |
| easier to operate rather than round knobs. | | | | across the floor. Have additional base plugs |
| 4. Install at least one stairway handrail that | | | | installed so long cords are not necessary. |
| extends beyond the first and last steps. | | | | 21. Wear nonslip, low-heeled shoes or slippers that |
| 5. Remove any furniture that is not needed. Avoid | | | | fit snugly. Don't walk around in stocking feet. |
| clutter. | | | | 22. Consider putting a bench or stool in the |
| 6. All remaining furniture should be stable and | | | | shower. |
| without sharp corners, to minimize the effects of | | | | 23. Watch your alcohol intake. More than two |
| a fall. | | | | drinks per day can cause unsteadiness. |
| 7. Remove throw rugs, sharp objects and clutter. | | | | 24. Stand up slowly to avoid unsteadiness. |
| 8. Place carpet or safety grip strips on stairs. | | | | 25. Have your hearing and eyesight tested. Inner |
| 9. Keep the layout of furniture and pathways the | | | | ear problems can affect balance. |
| same. | | | | It is a good idea to regularly check your house |
| 10. Make sure halls are three feet wide and six to | | | | for hazards. Make sure you have a well stocked |
| eight feet high. | | | | first aid kit in a handy place in your home. |