Seniors & Special Needs: Senior Safety

Life Preserver Graphic

General Safety Tips

  • Wear well-fitted shoes with low heels and non-skid soles.
  • Quality, non-glare lighting in the home, especially around stairs.
  • Strong banisters along stairways and non-skid surface on stairs.
  • Remove clutter from the house as possible.
  • Keep electrical cords out of walking pathways.
  • Sturdy handrails by toilet and in and next to bathtub or shower. Consider a raised toilet seat.
  • Install non-skid surface or treads inside tub or shower.
  • Secure or tack down throw rugs and carpet edges.
  • Proper nutrition including calcium (consult your physician)
  • Regular exercise including weight training (consult your physician)
  • Careful use of prescription and non-prescription medicine (consult your physician).
  • Avoid sedatives and overuse of alcohol.

Fall Prevention Tips

How Big is the Problem?

  • Falls are the leading cause of injury death for people over the age of 65.
  • Falls are the leading reason for admission to nursing homes.
  • Each year about 10,000 older adults die from falls or fall-related injuries.
  • Falls result in about 200,000 hip fractures in older adults each year.
  • Falls are not a normal part of the aging process, nor are they random.
  • Many falls can be prevented!

What Factors Contribute to the Problem

  • Slippery or loose-fitting footwear
  • Poor lighting in the home
  • Cluttered hallways
  • Loose rugs or carpeting
  • Slippery bathroom surfaces
  • Difficult stairs
  • Uncorrected vision problems
  • Dizziness caused by medications or medical conditions
  • Osteoporosis makes bones brittle
  • Poor nutrition and dehydration
  • Over usage of alcohol

Heart Attack or Stroke Information