Tips for living safely and independently in your home

Falls are the Number 1 cause of accidental death in the home.

Seniors 65 and older account for nearly 90%
of these fatal accidents.

Home Security isn't only about helping to protect your home from outside intruders - it's also about protecting yourself while you're inside.

One in every three Seniors over the age of 65 suffer a fall each year, many of which require medical treatment and hospitalization. In fact, falls are a leading cause of mortality and morbidity among adults age 65 and older.

The following are some helpful tips to prevent accidents and injury while living independently at home.

• Be sure that a neighbor or nearby relative has a spare key to your home, and regularly contact neighbors, friends and other people you know.
• Keep all medications in clearly marked containers and stored in one place, along with a dosage schedule.
• Arrange the items in your kitchen cabinets so that the ones you use most are easy to reach.
  
• Ensure that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are installed and tested regularly.
• Paint your home’s interior with bright colors so walls, doorways and stairs can be easily seen.
• Increase lighting in the home, particularly along pathways to the bathroom and on stairs.
  
• Use a stable step stool with a nonskid surface when reaching for items.
• Be sure that all flammables — including curtains, towels and certain cleansers — are kept away from the stove.
• Keep all household chemicals tightly capped and stored away from sources of flame or ignition.
• Ensure that a telephone and lamp or light switch can be easily reached from bed.
• Use night lights in the bedroom, bathroom and hallways, and keep a flashlight handy.
• Be sure that all staircases have handrails, and all shower, tub and toilet areas are equipped with grab bars.
• Obtain a personal emergency response system to contact emergency services if help is needed.