For an elderly person or someone with limited mobility, living in the home they’ve lived in for years can start to become a place that is no longer safe. Thousands of elderly people are injured every year from an at home related accident, usually while they were carrying out everyday tasks. The most common type of accident is slipping and falling, so what are some ways these accidents can be prevented? We are going to consider a couple of ways.
Firstly, it’s a good idea to take a look around the home and observe areas that have the potential to be a tripping hazard. An example of this would be electrical cords or wires which have to stretch across a walk-through area to reach a plug socket. Some of those appliances might also become a fire hazard if they are knocked over. A solution to this could be to rearrange the furniture so that all electrical cords are closely situated to a socket and don’t need to stretch too far. This might also be a good opportunity to check the condition of electrical cords and appliances. Make sure wires are not exposed or fraying on electrical cords which could also become a fire risk.
Another potential tripping hazard is carpeting and rugs. Here in chilly Colorado, many older ones prefer the comfort and warmth of carpeting. If carpets are old and wearing out, however, they could be very dangerous for someone with limited mobility. If the carpets adhesive is wearing out, carpeting could loosen or start to rise at the joins and corners. Rugs are another potentially lethal item. If rugs have to be in the home, ensure they stay firmly in place with a good rubber backing.
This is only a couple of the many steps we can take to ensure the safety of our elderly loved ones living at home.
Firstly, it’s a good idea to take a look around the home and observe areas that have the potential to be a tripping hazard. An example of this would be electrical cords or wires which have to stretch across a walk-through area to reach a plug socket. Some of those appliances might also become a fire hazard if they are knocked over. A solution to this could be to rearrange the furniture so that all electrical cords are closely situated to a socket and don’t need to stretch too far. This might also be a good opportunity to check the condition of electrical cords and appliances. Make sure wires are not exposed or fraying on electrical cords which could also become a fire risk.
Another potential tripping hazard is carpeting and rugs. Here in chilly Colorado, many older ones prefer the comfort and warmth of carpeting. If carpets are old and wearing out, however, they could be very dangerous for someone with limited mobility. If the carpets adhesive is wearing out, carpeting could loosen or start to rise at the joins and corners. Rugs are another potentially lethal item. If rugs have to be in the home, ensure they stay firmly in place with a good rubber backing.
This is only a couple of the many steps we can take to ensure the safety of our elderly loved ones living at home.
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