| For many elderly people, living alone can be a | | | | prevent seniors from having to reach or climb to |
| scary and confusing new experience. Some have | | | | get things. - Put small appliances on timers. Older |
| never lived alone before and have always relied | | | | people can sometimes forget to turn things off. |
| on others to take care of finances, home | | | | Consider installing a timer on the coffee pot, iron, |
| security, and housekeeping. Others are struggling | | | | toaster, or curling iron. - Make sure that all |
| with health and mobility issues that make daily | | | | electrical cords are safely out of the way. An |
| living difficult. A slip in the bathtub or a fall down | | | | elderly person can trip on a stray electrical cord. - |
| the stairs can be a terrifying and serious worry. | | | | Check the floor for anything that could cause a |
| To help your elderly loved one avoid household | | | | fall. This includes area rugs, bumps in the carpet, |
| accidents, slips, and falls, read the following | | | | or loose boards. - Plan an emergency escape |
| guidelines. It doesn't take much to make sure that | | | | route if it is necessary to get out of the house |
| your relative is living safely. - Make sure all rooms, | | | | quickly. Make sure your loved one knows what to |
| hallways, and staircases are adequately lit. Many | | | | do if there is a fire or another type of |
| older people struggle with poor eyesight, so extra | | | | emergency. If you have an elderly relative with a |
| lighting can help them see where they are going. | | | | medical condition, help him/her make a list of |
| Nightlights are an excellent way to light up the | | | | emergency contacts including doctors, hospitals, |
| floor to prevent tripping. - If your elderly relative | | | | and nearby friends and family that can be of |
| lives in a two-story house, consider moving the | | | | assistance. In addition, a medical alarm system can |
| bedroom downstairs. Stairs can be difficult for | | | | provide a direct link with to medical personnel. |
| seniors, especially if they suffer from arthritis or | | | | Usually, medical alarms are worn on the body, so |
| tire easily. - If stairs are absolutely necessary, | | | | they are easily accessible at all times. If a fall |
| make sure they are sturdy and have secure | | | | prevents an elderly person from getting to the |
| handrails at comfortable heights. - Put non-slip | | | | phone, a medical alarm can be used to call for |
| mats in the shower and bathtub. Install grab bars | | | | help instead. |
| in the shower as an added precaution. - Test all | | | | Ralph Winn writes about Security Systems and |
| smoke alarms regularly. - Store frequently used | | | | other related topics. |
| kitchen items in low, easy-to-reach places to | | | | |