by Patricia Bunch

Created on: September 18, 2009   Last Updated: September 22, 2009

As one ages, the greater the chances one has to have an accident. Why is this the case? Simply because the senses become dull and it takes longer for one to react to stimuli in the environment. As one would try to condition the environment for the very young for safety, so should the caregiver of the elderly do the same for the safety of this age group to prevent accidents.

Preventing falls

Perhaps one of the greatest fears of the elderly is falling. Because bones become thinner in a number of the elderly, bones break easier as we age. Cuts and bruises from falls cause pain, as well as head trauma. To condition the environment of an aged person, remove anything lying in the floor, such as throw rugs and decorative jugs and planters. Don't use any kind of polish on wood floors making the floors slick. If help is brought in, instruct them carefully how to keep the environment safe. Arrange furniture so one can steady themselves by holding to it as they move around the room, rather than stumbling over it.

Keep cords from lamps, computers, and other electric devices up off the floor, and away from water. If it is necessary to have a cord in the floor, tape it down with duct tape so the elderly person living in the space cannot stumble over the cord. Having everything in the walking area flat and smooth will go a long way to prevent falls.

In the bathroom, install rails in the bathtub or shower so the elderly person has something to hold to while bathing. Rails can be purchased from durable medical equipment companies or ordered on line and are not expensive and are easy to install. Stools can be purchased to use in the bathtub and hand held shower head installed so the elderly can set in the bathtub and shower without standing for long periods of time. If one is bothered with vertigo (dizziness), this is a necessity.

Turn the temperature down on the water heater so it becomes impossible for the elderly to be burned from the water coming from a tap in the house. This can be done at the water heater and it isn't necessary to call a plumber to do this task. Read the booklet which came with the water heater to learn how to turn down the temperature. If the booklet isn't available look on line or call the appliance store and someone there will be glad to assist you.

If there are stairways in the home, install banisters in the stairways so the person has something to hold to while ascending and descending the stairs. Banister rails can be purchased at home improvement

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