QC Homecare Notes: Focus on Safety!

Home safety is a priority for all of us, but especially for seniors and those with existing health conditions.

Although we have had good weather this winter and are venturing outdoors more, we still spend most of our time indoors. Trips and falls from inside the home are more common than one would think and a few extra safety checks can help prevent serious injury.

Stairs, bathrooms, doorways where boots and gloves may gather, and even just a small amount of everyday clutter can be dangerous. And don't forget our beloved pets! They sometimes can get underfoot faster than we notice!

A little extra time and attention can minimize these dangers around the home. If you need help, ask a friend, family member or neighbor to help you put safety first in your home.

Here are some No-Slip-or-Trip Tips!

• Always get up slowly after sitting or lying down. Take your time, and make sure you have your balance.
• If you wear glasses... wear them! You may not think you need them just walking from room to room but something small on the floor can cause a big problem if you trip over it because you didn't see it.
• Wear proper fitting shoes with low heels or secure slippers with treads on the bottom around the home.
• Use a correctly measured walking aid if needed.
• Remove or tack down all scatter rugs.
• Remove electrical or telephone cords from traffic areas.
• Avoid using slippery wax on floors.
• Wipe up spills promptly.
• Have sturdy rails for all stairs inside and outside the house.
• LIGHTS LIGHTS LIGHTS!!  Make sure that all staircases have good lighting with switches at top and bottom.
• Use night lights in bathrooms or any room in the home to help guide your way in the dark.
• Staircase steps should have a non-slip surface.
• Use recommended bath aids, securely installed on the walls of the bath/shower stall and on the sides of the toilet.
• Skid-proof the tub and make sure the bath mat has a non-slip bottom.
• If possible, bathe only when help is available or when someone else is home.
• Keep floors clean and uncluttered.
• Avoid wearing long, loose clothing that could get caught on your foot while walking or going up and down stairs.
• Keep an eye on those pets! Take a moment to know where your pet is before you start moving around the home.
• If you have a cell phone, carry it around the home with you. That way in case you do fall you will have a phone to dial 911 or a friend or neighbor for help.

Remember, safety starts at home!

Sincerely,

Christine Baker

QC Homecare Solutions

Christine Baker runs QC Homecare Solutions. She, or Donna Smith, her administrative assistant, can be reached at c.baker@qchomecare.com or 860-383-2290 x 1