Take steps to make homes safer for seniors

By Bill Garwood

For the AJC

According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the proportion of the U.S. population greater than 65 years old will increase from 12.4 percent in 2000 to 19.6 percent in 2030. In raw numbers, the increase is estimated to be from 35 million to 71 million people.

Along with the increase in the number of older Americans, we also are seeing an increase in the percentage of injuries happening to the aging population. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, from 1991 to 2002 the number of people 75 years old and older treated in emergency rooms increased 73 percent.

Many of these trips to the emergency room were due to preventable accidents in the home. If you are older or have an older relative, you can take some simple steps to help prevent injuries.

Falls

According to the CPSC about 77 percent of the trips to emergency rooms for people 75 years old or older are the result of falls. Many falls can be prevented with some simple precautions. Make sure all electrical cords are out of the flow of traffic. Loose extension cords can become trip hazards and even result in shock or fire. Ensure that all throw rugs are slip-resistant. Older people have a greater tendency to lose their balance and fall. For the same reason keep good solid step stools or ladders available. Preferably, the stools or ladders will be equipped with handrails. Make sure hallways and passageways between rooms are well lit. Stairways should have light switches at both the top and bottom. Make sure bathtub mats are non-skid, and consider installing grab bars in the tub or shower area.

Electrical safety

It is easy to become complacent about electrical wiring and appliances. To help make homes safer for everyone, and especially older people, do the following: Make sure that all fuses or breakers in the electrical panel box are properly sized. Ensure that no electrical cords are installed under furniture or carpets and rugs. This can damage cords, creating a shock or fire hazard. Keep electrical appliances, such as radios, hair dryers, electric razors, etc., away from bathtubs and showers. Make sure the grounding function in any electrical receptacle is operative. Many receptacles have three prongs but are not really grounded, and the little adapters that change a two-pronged receptacle to a three-pronged receptacle in most cases will not provide a grounding function. I strongly recommend that most electrical work be performed by a licensed electrician.

Fire safety

It is most important to make sure operating smoke detectors are installed. Current building codes require smoke detectors in every bedroom, in hallways outside the bedrooms and on every floor of the house. Although not directly related to fire, it is a good idea to install carbon monoxide detectors. Current building codes require that carbon monoxide detectors be installed "in the general vicinity of each sleeping area." Space heaters should be placed where they cannot be knocked over and away from flammables such as curtains or rugs. Keep dish towels, pot holders and plastic utensils away from the range. Encourage people not to wear loose-fitting clothes while cooking. Loose clothes can accidently come in contact with an open flame. Finally, have an escape plan and practice it from time to time. It is a good idea to have a meeting place outside the home so you can be sure that everyone is accounted for.