The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that in 2005 about 1.8 million elderly Americans were treated in hospital emergency rooms as the result of fall-related injuries. In fact, falls are the leading cause of death from injuries among adults age 65 and older. However, falls are not the only threat to the health and safety of older adults who may already have predisposing risk factors. Checklists are valuable tools for identifying potential safety hazards in an elder's living environment.
Housing
One of the first steps in providing care to an aging family member is to determine whether the person can continue living at home. In many cases, an elderly individual need not go to an assisted living community or skilled nursing facility. With the range of medical and non-medical services now available to the elderly in most communities, older individuals often can remain living in their own homes with some assistance. Contact the Area Agency on Aging office nearest you to find out more about home care, homemaker, transportation, companion and meal services offered to senior adults in your community.
Home Safety
Prevent your elderly family member from being injured in the home by carefully examining all areas of the home to identify potential problems. Check to see if any electrical or telephone cords are stretched across floors where the person walks and could trip. Replace throw rugs or floor runners not made with slip resistant backing. You can also use double-faced adhesive carpet tape or rubber matting on the backs to keep carpets from sliding. Install at least one carbon monoxide and smoke detector on each floor of the home, including the attic and basement. Make sure that flammable items are placed away from the kitchen stove. Check, too, that hallways and stairwells are well lit. Place nonskid mats and apply textured strips to any slippery surfaces in the bath and shower area. Mount sturdy grab bars near the bathtub, shower and toilet areas.
Driving
Assess whether any physical or mental changes have occurred that may be diminishing your elderly family member's ability to drive. Some loss in vision or hearing, a slower response time, side effects of medications, or loss of muscle strength and flexibility can affect the way a person drives. Make sure that your family member does not appear drowsy or confused when driving, and that he does not have difficulty turning his head, neck or shoulders when driving or parking. In cases where the person is still able to drive despite some changes in his physical condition, suggest that he only drive in the daytime to familiar places not far from home, and that he not drive alone. If you feel that your family member can no longer drive safely but he refuses to stop, talk to his doctor or contact the Department of Motor Vehicles in your state. Should the person be unwilling to listen to reason even though his safety and the safety of others could be at risk, you may have no other choice but to take away his keys.
Emergencies
Elderly family members who live alone, or who are alone for periods of time throughout the day or night, should know what to do in the event of an emergency. Make sure the person knows how to dial 911 and has access to a telephone from different locations within the house. Regularly check smoke detectors in the home to see that they are operational. There should also be a carbon monoxide detector located in the hallway outside the bedroom. Locate a small fire extinguisher on each floor of the home in plain sight and within reach. Place one near the door of the kitchen. Consider contracting a medical alert system that provides emergency response services for elderly who live alone. The cost is affordable and there are many different options from which to choose.
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