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Health Connection
Home safety for the elderly
By Sheryl Lyle, PT Bath Community Hospital
 | | Sheryl Lyle, PT |
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Home Sweet Home. I never gave this sign in my grandmother's kitchen much thought, but the older I get, the more significance it has for me. For more than 20 years, I have worked with aging Americans, in their homes, the homes of their children, skilled nursing homes, and in hospitals. What I have seen over and over again is their desire to return to or stay in their homes where they feel most comfortable.
No one wants to think of themselves, parents, or other loved ones growing older, but let's face it, we will get there someday. So, it's important to look ahead and make plans for old age.
Home accidents are one of the most common, and avoidable, reasons that seniors make trips to the hospital or need to move to an alternative living facility, so it's important to assess the home for safety. The following is a low-cost beginning to home assessment:
¦ Is there easy access to telephone or a life-call system?
¦ Have throw rugs been eliminated and the floor free of clutter?
¦ Do the smoke/heat detectors work? Is there a working fire extinguisher?
¦ Do the kitchen appliance indicator lights work? Is the cooking space uncluttered and free of flammables?
¦ Are most used items stored between eye and knee level?
¦ Are the sofas and chairs high and firm enough for easy sitting and rising?
¦ Is the bed no lower than back of knees height? Blankets or comforters with minimal overhang so feet avoid getting tangled in them?
Many times structural changes will need to be considered if an elderly person wants to maintain a safe environment:
Outside:
¦ If there are steps in and out of the house are they well-lit with railings on both sides?
¦ Can a ramp be built to the porch?
¦ Are the pathways open and well-lit?
Inside
¦ Is the master bedroom on the ground floor? If not, can a room on the ground floor be modified?
¦ Is there a tub or a walk-in shower or tub? If there is room for a tub, is there room for a tub transfer bench? Can grab bars be put inside and outside of the shower?
¦ Are there doorways a standard width?
In addition to changes in the home, it's important to make an appointment with your, or your loved ones, doctor. Go over medications including over the counter non-prescription medications. Review the side effects and interactions that may increase the risk of falling. Because of this reason, the doctor may decide to wean you off certain medications, especially those used to treat anxiety and insomnia. Make sure you discuss any previous falls you have had, including when, where, and how you fell. Don't forget to mention the times you almost fell, but managed to grab hold of something or were caught by someone. Let your doctor know if you have eye and/ or ear disorders that may increase your risk for falls. Discuss any dizziness, joint pain, numbness or shortness of breath that affects your walk. Your doctor may want to refer you to physical therapy for evaluation of muscle strength, balance, and individual walking style or your gait.
And remember it's important to stay active, wear sensible shoes, remove home hazards, light up your living space, and use devices to assist you in movement.
Some of these suggestions are easily acquired and installed. Others may require professional help and be more of an investment. If you plan on staying in your home for many more years, an investment in safety and fall prevention now may make it possible.
Sheryl received her Bachelor of Science in physical therapy from the Medical College of Virginia in 1983 and her Masters of Science in Community Health Education from Old Dominion University. She has worked at Bath Community Hospital since the spring of 2003 and specializes in Home Health Physical Therapy.
This information is not intended to take the place of your doctor's advice.
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