Home & Bath Safety Tips

Falls happen at home for many reasons and are often preventable.   The elderly and caregivers should take a minute to look around and assess living conditions to prevent falls. Poor vision or hearing, history of falls, poor nutrition, certain medications, being over 65 years old, all add to the risk of falling.

In the bathroom keep all electrical appliances such as razors, hair curlers, hair dryers, and radios away from water, install grab bars on or around bathtub and elevated toilet seats and support rails on toilets, use non-skid carpets, rugs and/or mats on floors, install non-skid mats or strips in bathtub/shower. Keep a night light plugged in for after dark illumination and install a hand held shower in the tub. Setting the water temperature to 120˚or less on your hot water heater is advised.

It may sound redundant but it’s always helpful to repeat some general home safety tips as more of us stay in our homes longer. It’s important to make sure to have secure hand rails on all stairs and keep stairways clear.   You should avoid using throw rugs, having cords on the floor and always wipe up spills when they happen are all steps you can take to prevent falls.   Invest in a step stool or ladder for reaching high places and never stand on a chair! Keeping unnecessary clutter picked up and clearing paths for walking through the house sound like obvious advice but older homeowners might need help pointing out areas that might be risky. Oh, and remember to keep a working flashlight handy at all times along with night lights and smoke & carbon monoxide detectors.   Most homeowners will find that good advice at any age!