Cooperative Living May 2015 - 24

SAFETY SENSE
A Checklist
for Older
Americans
CELEBRATING
Older Americans
Month
B
y the year 2020, the U.S. will have more than 55
million adults over age 65. As we celebrate Older
Americans Month each May, we can both recognize
our nation's senior citizens for their contributions and
also increase awareness of how seniors can stay healthy
and active.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission (CPSC), unintentional injuries to older adults
result in at least 6 million medically treated injuries and
more than 30,000 fatalities each year. Slip-and-fall accidents
are the leading type of injury, associated with more
than three-quarters of all emergency room visits by adults 75
years and older, and half of all visits by adults age 65 to 74.
Tripping over loose carpets, cords, or other obstacles
on the floor is a common fall scenario. This type of
accident can be prevented by installing non-slip mats
and grabber handles in the bathroom, handrails on
both sides of each set of stairs, and slip-resistant carpets
and rugs.
Make sure there is good visibility inside and
outside the home by installing automatic motion-detector
sensors for outdoor lighting and a remote control or
timer for indoor lighting. And seniors who are able
should exercise regularly to help protect their bodies
from injuries - swimming, yoga or a dance class are all
great options.
OTHER TIPS TO ENHANCE THE SAFETY OF OLDER AMERICANS:
* Have both a flashlight and phone
within reach of the bed in case of a
power outage or emergency.
* Keep readily available the phone
numbers for the local police and
fire department along with that of
doctor(s) and a trusted neighbor or
family member.
* Consider using a wearable medical
alert device that provides a " Call for
Help " pushbutton.
* To reduce the risk of burns from hot
tap water or open flame, turn the hot
water heater's temperature to 120
22
degrees or less, purchase flame
resistant sleepwear and never use
candles or smoke in the bedroom.
* Make sure each floor has working
smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
For hearing-impaired seniors,
install alarms with strobe lights or an
assistive device that vibrates the bed
and pillow to awaken one if the
alarms sound at night.
* Make sure all medications are stored
in child-resistant enclosures and are
clearly marked to prevent taking the
wrong medication.
* Make sure ground fault circuit
interrupter (GFCI) outlets are installed
in potentially damp locations such as
the kitchen, bathroom, garage, near
utility tubs or sinks, and on the exterior
of the house to protect against
electrocution.
* In the event of severe weather or
an extended power outage, have
an emergency escape plan and
pre-arrange for a family member or
caregiver to help you travel, if
needed. n
Sources: www.hhs.gov, www.acl.gov
Cooperative Living/May 2015
MIKE WATSON IMAGES/IMOODBOARD/THINKSTOCK
http://www.hhs.gov http://www.acl.gov
Cooperative Living May 2015

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Cooperative Living May 2015
