10 “Quick Fixes” for elder home safety

 Newswise — Falls are the leading cause of injury and accidental death in adults over the age of 65, according to the American Occupational Therapy Association. Fengyi Kuo, assistant professor of occupational therapy at the University of Indianapolis, says the remedy to this problem at home is safety awareness and implementation of prevention practices.

Kuo identifies four of the main safety hazards that can lead to falls and injuries in the home: poor lighting, loose carpets and throw rugs, baths without handles and poorly arranged furniture.

Kuo suggests 10 “quick fixes” to increase home safety:
1. Increase lighting in the home, particularly along pathways to the bathroom and on stairs.
2. Use nightlights, especially in bedrooms, hallways and bathrooms.
3. Remove throw rugs and loose carpet, or secure them firmly to the floor.
4. Be cautious when walking on thick carpet.
5. Install handles or railings in bathtubs and showers to prevent slipping.
6. Use non-slip or rubber mats or install non-slip strips on tub and shower floors.
7. Take your time when getting into or out of bathtubs and showers.
8. Arrange furniture so there is plenty of room to walk freely.
9. Remove electrical cords from walkways by placing them under rugs or furniture or stapling them along walls and baseboards.
10. Keep phones in every room of the house and by the bed and keep emergency numbers by each phone.

The University of Indianapolis is a top-tier, independent, comprehensive institution of higher education with more than 4,300 students on its main campus, and another 600 at its wholly owned branch in Athens, Greece. Strong undergraduate, master’s and doctoral programs, especially in business, education and the nationally ranked health sciences, draw students from around the world.