More than half of all injuries experienced by Canadian seniors are due to falls. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, nearly half of all injuries among seniors occur in the home, and 15 per cent of falls occur in the bathroom or stairs.
Since the likelihood of serious injury, or even death, increases as you age, take steps to increase safety in the home. Many seniors limit their daily activities and, ultimately, their quality of life to avoid getting injured," says Kelly McCain, a senior director at Royal LePage Canada, "However, a few safety measures at home can improve life all around for Canadian seniors."
To stay safe while maintaining your independence, McCain offers these suggestions:
Ensure all rooms and hallways in your home are well lit and clear of obstacles.
Reduce slipping hazards by removing non-rubber-backed throw rugs and mats on hard flooring surfaces, such as hardwood or ceramic floors.
Install nightlights near stairs and eliminate all clutter.
Make sure that there are solid handrails on both sides of the stairway.
If you have wood stairs, consider installing a carpet runner down the middle or adding traction strips to provide steadier footing.
In the bathroom, make sure that your tub and shower surfaces are non-slip. Install grab bars in your bathtub or shower and purchase rubberized or non-skid bath mats.
Increase safety in the shower by purchasing or renting a bath seat. Some are designed specifically to make your entrance and exit from the tub easier. If you require the use of a bath seat, a hand-held shower head will work best.
Consider purchasing a wireless phone set that allows for a phone on each floor of the home, and populate the digital phone book on all telephones with emergency contact numbers.
Follow these simple safety tips and spend less time worrying, and more time enjoying your home. More information is available at www.royallepage.ca.
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