SNAP Toronto (October 2008)
We very carefully child-proof our homes when we have toddlers running around, in order to minimize the possibility of accidents. But how often do we consider the potential hazards for an elderly person who is still independent and living on his/her own?
Homes that for years have been safe havens can become danger zones, often without our noticing it. As people age, unfortunately, bones become more brittle, eyesight isn’t quite what it used to be, agility is compromised and there is more of a tendency to occasionally lose one’s balance. As a result, the elderly seem to fall or hurt themselves more frequently, their injuries are more complex, and they generally take much longer to heal than when they were younger.
There are a number of simple precautions that can be taken to diminish the number of potential hazards in a loved one’s home, and they don’t have to cost a lot of money.
The most obvious is removing all scatter rugs in the home. It doesn’t take much to trip over scatter rugs — they not only have the potential to slide and move about, but many older rugs tend to curl up at the edges or the corners.
Ensure there are banisters or railings on both sides of the stairs, and that includes those short 3-step transitions to another level of the home.
A rubber mat in the bathtub, and a handhold or railing on the bathtub wall, will reduce the possibility of slipping in the tub.
How old are the electrical cords in use, and how many extension cords are plugged in to each other? Frayed cords or multiple cords plugged into one extension are a potential fire hazard, while loose cords beg to be tripped over.
Sticking doors, doorknobs that don’t work properly, wobbly chairs, long, dangling tablecloths and doilies are also hazardous to someone who suddenly loses his/her balance, however briefly.
For more information, call (416) 252-9010 or e-mail to info@boomeroptions.ca
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