Aging in Place

5 Star Universal Design Company

• Interiors designed for your specific physical accessibility needs
• Facilitating installation of safe environments including the following:  Grab bars, stair lifts, elevators, ramps, lighting for aging eye
• Is the best place your existing home or a new home that meets your needs?

The following home safety tips for seniors can help keep you and your loved ones safe. Approximately one-third of adults age 65 years or older fall in their home each year, resulting in injury, long-term disability and premature loss of independence. By 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates the cost related to these kinds of injuries to be $60 Billion a year.

General Home Safety

• Consider a medical alert or a buddy system.
• Keep a fire extinguisher and smoke detector on every floor.
• Never smoke when alone or in bed.
• Always get up slowly after sitting or lying down. Take your time, and make sure you have your balance.
• Wear proper fitting shoes with low heels.
• Use a correctly measured walking aid.
• Remove or tack down all scatter rugs.
• Remove electrical or telephone cords from traffic areas.
• Avoid using slippery wax on floors.
• Wipe up spills promptly.
• Avoid standing on ladders or chairs.
• Have sturdy rails for all stairs inside and outside the house, or, if necessary, purchase a stairlift.
• Use only non-glare 100 watt or greater incandescent bulbs (or the fluorescent equivalents.)
• Make sure that all stair cases have good lighting with switches at top and bottom.
• Make sure that staircase steps should have a non-slip surface.

Kitchen Safety

• Keep floors clean and uncluttered.
• Illuminate work areas.
• Mark “on” and “off” positions on appliances clearly and with bright colors.
• Store sharp knives in a rack.
• Use a kettle with an automatic shut-off.
• Store heavier objects at waist level.
• Store hazardous items separate from food.
• Avoid wearing long, loose clothing when cooking over the stove.
• Make sure food is rotated regularly and check expiration dates.

Basic Emergency Items for Seniors

Keep these items in a clearly labeled container so they can be easily found and used in case of an emergency. A battery-powered radio – make sure to note which stations provide information in case of a disaster.

• Two battery or solar-powered flashlights. There are also flashlights that can be powered with hand cranks so batteries are not necessary. Make sure the light is bright enough to be useful.
• Extra batteries for hearing aids, flashlights and radios.
• A first-aid kit – regularly check the contents of your kit to ensure there are no expired ointments or other items and make sure its contents are appropriate for the elderly person.
• An extra pair of glasses.
• Extra equipment or medical supplies such as wheelchair batteries or oxygen.
• Note the serial number, make and style of medical devices such as pacemakers.
• Medical insurance and Medicare cards.
• Medical alert wallet card or bracelet – something that identifies hidden medical conditions if an elderly person can’t talk.
• A list of prescription medications and dosage amounts.
• A list of the names and phone numbers of physicians and emergency contacts.

Protect Against Abuse

• Keep your windows and doors locked at all times.
• Never let a stranger into your home when you are there alone.
• Talk over offers made by telephone salespeople with a friend or family member.
• Always ask for written information about any offers, prizes, or charities and wait to respond until you have reviewed the information thoroughly.
• Do not let yourself be pressured into making purchases, signing contracts, or making donations. It is never rude to wait and discuss the plans with a family member or friend.