There is absolutely no place like home. It is simply THE place of comfort and relaxation. Here are some tips to keep it (and you) safe!
Keep medications away from others – and pets! Make sure you take medications only as prescribed. Also, separate household cleaners and pesticides in an area away from food and access by children or pets.
Did you know? Activating the car alarm is a great way to gain attention if you hear someone in your house or garage? Keep your car keeps by your bedside at night.
Never announce to the world on any social media that you are away from home or home alone.
If you wear skin applied medication patches – do not place heating pads over a prescription medication skin patch. Heat helps the medication absorb quicker – which can cause a dangerous overdose.
Dispose of medications properly to protect the environment and others. Here is information of Safe Disposal of Medications by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/BuyingUsingMedicineSafely/EnsuringSafeUseofMedicine/SafeDisposalofMedicines/ucm186188.htm
Provide adult relatives and friend, doctor, trust officer, surrogate, etc. with a copy of your advance directives (or living will), personal medical history, important contacts and phone numbers. (Look for an upcoming House Spouse blog with a form for your personal medical information soon).
Be aware of things that increase chances of a fall! This includes many medications including those for sleeping or pain relief, alcohol, poorly supported shoes, untied shoes, pets, low beds and chairs, wet floors, and tripping hazards such throw rugs. Other contributors to falls include the lack of handrails and bathmats in the shower or tub, failure to use handrails while on the stairs, inadequate lighting and obstacles such as extension cords in common walking areas.
Did you know? According to the National Safety Council, falls are the leading cause of injury-related death for adults 65 and older. http://www.nsc.org/learn/safety-knowledge/Pages/safety-at-home-falls.aspx
But wait – before you go – here are some places to find more very good info:
Visit the National Safety Council for lots of great information about making your world safer at nsc.org
Video Home Safety Tips Senior Health National Institute of Health