ST. LOUIS, Mo., May 5, 2014 . . . As increasing numbers of older adults make the choice to age in their own homes, many are doing so because of the comfort they enjoy from the surroundings they know and love. Unfortunately, those cozy residences can pose injury risks for seniors as a result of falls or other unintended injuries. With May being Older Americans Month, Senior Solutions is joining the National Council on Aging in its efforts to educate older adults and their families on ways to prevent falls and injuries by providing home improvement tips designed to help seniors age in place safely.
“As today’s seniors age, what we’re seeing is a strong desire to stay in the home, both because of the comfort and the affordability of doing so,” said Ann Bannes, Vice President of Senior Solutions. “While we agree that aging in place is a wonderful option, we want people to be aware of the hazards that lurk in the home environment. From burns and falls to accidental drownings in the tub, the home can be a dangerous place for seniors if the proper steps aren’t taken to make it a safe and supportive place to live.”
According to U.S. Administration for Community Living, unintentional injuries to seniors result in at least 6 million medically treated injuries and more than 30,000 deaths every year. Falls continue to be the leading cause of both fatal and non-fatal injuries for those aged 65+. An estimated 21,700 older adults die from falls annually, and every 15 seconds, an older adult is seen in an emergency room for a fall-related injury. These startling statistics highlight the critical nature of ensuring that an older adult’s home has been properly “senior proofed.”
One of the most dangerous rooms in the home is the bathroom. The following actions can help seniors avoid slips and falls:
- Install grab bars inside and outside the bath tub to make getting in and out easier and safer.
- Place nonskid mats inside and outside the shower or tub and near the toilet and sinks.
- Incorporate a shower seat or bath bench and a raised toilet seat.
- Replace sliding shower doors with shower curtains.
In the kitchen, there are also a number of simple fixes that can be made to ensure the room is safer and more user-friendly. These include:
- Replacing the existing cabinet hardware and kitchen faucet with versions that are easier to grip.
- Checking below the sink to ensure there are no plumbing links that could pose a slip hazard or result in the formation of mold and mildew.
- Replacing any appliances that don’t work properly, and placing all appliances at waist level.
- Placing a fire extinguisher in the room.
In addition to the hazards that may be present in the kitchen and bathroom, there a number of hazards in other parts of the home that can cause injuries in older adults. The following actions can help seniors avoid tripping, fires, burns and other dangers:
- Install smoke alarms on every floor and outside every bedroom, and replace the batteries annually.
- Install a carbon monoxide detector that sounds an alarm.
- Keep the home well-lit, especially in areas like stairways, porches and outside walkways.
- Enhance safety at night by adding nightlights in hallways, stairways and bathrooms.
- Add extra light switches or remote switches.
- Cover any exposed hot water pipes.
- Remove throw rugs, clutter and extra furniture.
- Remove raised doorway thresholds.
- Repair loose carpet or raised areas of flooring.
- Move electrical cords out of walking pathways.
- Add sturdy hand rails to stairways.
“There are numerous changes that can be made to any household to keep seniors safer, and many of them are easy and inexpensive to make,” said Bannes. “For those that may be more complicated or costly, organizations like ours are available to help. For any older adult that wishes to age in place in their own homes, senior proofing is critical to maintain their health, safety and well-being.”
To learn more about senior proofing, its benefits for older adults who choose to age in place, and the wide range of services offered by Senior Solutions to help seniors age in their homes, call (314) 726-5766 or log on to www.seniorsolutions-stl.com.
Senior Solutions provides seniors and their family caregivers with options designed to to address the issues of aging. With over 50 years of experience and 100+ years combined expertise, Senior Solutions has the knowledge to ensure elders retain their dignity and receive the respect they deserve.
For More Information, Contact:
Shelene Treptow or Ann Bannes
The Hauser Group Senior Solutions
(314) 436-9090 (314) 726-5766