Safety in the Home & Beyond
Prepared by Daniel Leffingwell RN, MS
Date: 7/22/06
Introduction:
The elderly face a double whammy, the need to adapt to the
changes
in their bodies as well as the resulting need to adapt their home
environment to accommodate limitations in mobility and sensory
function.
According to www.homemods.org, more than 60% of
elderly persons living at home are staying in structures built more
than 20 years ago. Most likely those homes were not designed for
safety of the aging. Hallways may not accommodate wheelchairs. Ground
floors may not have a bedroom or bathing facilities. Stairways to
upper floors may be narrow and steep with inadequate
lighting.
Describe Renee's stairs to the bedroom.
Statistics:
According to the National Security Council, in 2001 there were 33,200 fatalities and 8 million disabling injuries in the home. In fact, there is a disabling injury every 4 seconds.
In the United States, one of every three adults aged 65 or older falls each year. The majority of falls happen in the home.
Older adults are hospitalized for fall-related injuries five times more often than they are for injuries from other causes.
Of
those who fall, 20% to 30%
suffer moderate to severe injuries that reduce mobility and
independence, and increase the risk of premature death.
Describe
Deb's grandmother's fall and "walking" hip fracture.
Physical Changes:
As the body ages, the spine shortens and bones lose calcium,
thus
putting a person at risk for fractures. The skin becomes thinner and
dry and can be abraded or injured more easily. Short-term memory loss
can result in the person forgetting if she took her medication.
Visual acuity, depth perception and color recognition decline. A
person can't hear as well, especially high frequencies. The person
has a decreased sensitivity to temperatures, pressure, and pain.
Because these changes occur, the elderly, especially the frail
elderly in the 85+ age bracket, are at a safety risk for many
accidental injuries, including falls, accidental poisoning, and
burns.
Other sensory changes that can occur as one ages, such
as vision and hearing loss, decreased pain sensation and
altered balance control can increase the risk for injury.
Describe
the parachute effect and balance.
Decreased sense of
smell.
Medication Relates Issues: Describe orthostatic
hypotension and the need to rise slowly from a sitting or lying
position.
Home Environment:
What
can I do?
Identify potential hazards.
Unsecured floor
coverings and throw rugs: These should be removed unless they are
attached firmly to the floor. Make sure any cracked or peeled
linoleum is tacked down or removed
Remove all Clutter, especially in hallways leading to the kitchen and bathroom.
Repair cracked or peeled linoleum. Use mimi's money story.
These should be removed unless they are attached firmly to the floor. Make sure any cracked or peeled linoleum is tacked down or removed.
Use the example of newspapers saved and newspapers on the floor for pets.
Ensure adequate lighting, especially in stairwells.
Use the "clapper" example.
Wet floors, especially in bathrooms with incontinent folks.
Skid pads in the bathroom.
Raised toilet seats. Use Poppy's example.
Keep electrical cords out of your walking path. Replaced frayed cords and leads.
Kerosene Heaters - do not use. due to risk of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning. Decreased sense of smell.
Install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Test them monthly!
Do not smoke in the evening while watching TV in an easy chair.
Door knobs. Consider handles rather than knobs, which can be difficult to open. Use Emily's story. Fire hazard!
When buying a stove, consider one with the controls on the front of the unit. They are easier to reach and prevent the risk of catching cloths on fire.
Medications:
Make sure medications are properly labeled.
Ever try to read medication labels?
Get rid of old or improperly labeled medications.
Easy open lids and children.
Example of medications in dresser drawer.
Look for side effects and drug interactions, make sure you are taking them as ordered.
Set up a medication box or plastic container.
Personal Safety
Have regular pension or other checks sent directly to the bank.
Don't close off or lock fire escapes. Ask the local law enforcement or fire departments about types of locks to use.
Beware of people who want to share money with you, offer products or services at very low prices, or who ask you to withdraw money from your bank.
Invest in a touch-tone phone with large, easy-to-read numbers. Put a 9-1-1 reminder near or on the phone.
Keep your medical history taped to the refrigerator in an envelope clearly marked with your doctor's phone number(s)
Where to get help:
1. Local Senior Center
2. Local Fire Department.
3. You local gas company
4. Local Police Department
References:
1. Falls in the Home National Safety Council
2. A Housing Safety Checklist Published by the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. Prepared by Sara Kirby, Extension Housing Specialist
3. Heath & Safety Tips: Preventing Falls Among the Elderly American Red Cross
4. Preventing Falls Among Seniors Center for Disease Control and Prevention National Center for Injury Prevention and Control.
5. SPECIAL TIPS FOR SENIORS Division of Police, Lexington , KY