June Is "Home Safety Month"
By Libet Callahan

Rockland - June is “Home Safety Month,” an opportunity to educate and empower older adults and their families to take action and increase the safety of their homes. The aging population can continue to live safely and independently in their homes by implementing simple fall prevention and fire safety habits. For many older adults, falls can be a life changing event leading to less mobility, independence and even death. According to the Home Safety Council, an average of nearly 5,000 Americans age 65 and older die from fall-related injuries in their homes each year. Most VNAs and home care agencies offer free in-home assessments that include a safety check walk-through of a senior’s home to identify potential fall hazards and other safety ideas. The Home Safety Council also offers the following tips for fall prevention:

• Install handrails on both sides of the stairs and ensure they go from the top to the bottom.
• Tape small rugs to the floor or do not use them at all as they can be a tripping hazard.
• Have plenty of lights at the top and bottom of the stairs and be sure to keep them clear of debris.
• Place night lights in the bedroom, hallway and bathroom.
• Lay a mat or non-slip strips in the tub and shower and have grab bars installed. Older adults and their families are also encouraged to prepare for fire emergencies.

Older adults are twice as likely to suffer injuries or lose their lives in a fire than the general population, according to the Home Safety Council which offers the following tips for fire safety:

• Make sure there is a least one working fire alarm on each level of the home, located inside or near sleeping areas.
• Create a home escape plan and practice it at least twice a year. Move the bedroom to the first floor to escape outside quickly in case of a fire.
• Keep escape routes clear and make sure doors and windows open easily.
• Keep a phone in the bedroom to call for help if necessary.
• Always stay in the kitchen when food is cooking on the stove and avoid loose clothing while cooking.
• Smokers should use large, deep ashtrays on a sturdy table and stay alert while smoking.
• Plug only one cord into each electrical outlet and unplug appliances when not in use.

Taking many of these simple safety steps can help to keep older adults living safely and independently in their own homes.

About The Author

Libet Callahan RN, BSN is the President and Owner of Right at Home Homecare in Rockland and serves families throughout the South Shore. Right at Home provides companion, homemaker and personal care services that enable seniors and others to remain in the comfort of their own home for as long as possible. Libet is a graduate of Columbia University School of Nursing and has worked in community nursing on the South Shore for many years. Libet may be reached at (781) 681-3545 or email at libet@rah-southshore.com.