According to the Association of Aging, bathrooms, kitchens and even bedrooms can contain potentially hazardous conditions in your home.
IN THE KITCHEN
Be sure your stove is in proper working order and always make sure that burners and the oven are off before you go out or go to sleep. Keep pots on the back burners, turn handles away from the front of the stove, and keep the stove clean and free of grease build-up. Kitchen ventilation systems and range exhausters should be working properly. Keep flammable objects such as towels and pot holders away from the cooking area except when in use, and make sure kitchen curtains are tied back. Move cords and appliances away from the sink and hot surfaces, and, if extension cords are needed, install wiring guides so they don't hang over the sink, range or working areas. Look for coffee pots, kettles and toaster ovens with automatic shut-offs. Keep a mop handy in the kitchen so you can wipe up spills instantly, as well as small fire extinguisher. Arrange your kitchen with frequently used items on lower shelves to avoid the need to stand on a stepstool to reach them. Make sure countertops are well-lit to avoid injuries while cutting and preparing food, and reduce glare by using frosted bulbs, indirect lighting or globes on light fixtures.
IN THE BATHROOM
Use a non-slip mat or decals in the tub and shower -- wet, soapy tile or porcelain surfaces are extremely slippery. Make sure bathroom rugs are non-skid or tape them firmly to the floor. Bathtubs should have at least one (preferably two) grab bars firmly attached to structural supports in the wall. (Do not use built-in soap holders or glass shower doors as grab bars.) Tub seats fitted with non-slip material on the legs allow you to wash sitting down, and, for people with limited mobility, bathtub transfer benches allow you slide safely into the tub. Raised toilet seats and toilet safety rails are helpful for those with knee or hip problems.
AND LET'S NOT FORGET THE BEDROOM
Bedrooms are generally considered to
be safe places, but there are some precautions you can take. Make
sure you use a nightlight and that the area around your bed is
clear of potential obstacles. Be careful with electric blankets
and never go to sleep with a heating pad, which can cause serious
burns even in low setting. Use fire-resistant mattresses covers
and pillows, and never smoke in bed. Keep a phone next to the
bed that is programmed to dial 911 at the push of a button. If
you have a chronic medical condition, you may want to sign on
with an automatic call-in service. Typically the
system includes a small pendant that connects directly to an emergency
medical voice-response system. You should also make arrangements
to stay in contact with someone -- friend, neighbor, family member
-- every day, few days or week.
(Barbra Williams Cosentino is a New York-based freelance writer
whose work has appeared in many national publications. She is
also a registered nurse, clinical social worker and psychotherapist.
This material was originally published by Healthgate.com.) (c)
2000, Barbra Williams Cosentino. Distributed by Los Angeles Times
Syndicate