Life Events: Accident Prevention for Older People
It is easy to believe that inside our own homes we are safe but at home we often relax the caution we have when outside. This web page contains information on how to reduce the risk of having an accident in your home.
Most common accidents that occur in the home are:
- Slips, trips and falls
- Burns and scalds
- Accidental poisoning
Get Your Eyes Tested
Over 60's get free eye test every 2 years. Contact an optician for further details.
Shoes and Slippers
You are more likely to slip, trip or fall if you are wearing:
- Slippers that are loose or have no back
- Shoes with heels
Wear flat shoes or shoes with thin soles or a built-in heel.
- Remove clutter to make moving around easier.
- Avoid chairs with wheels so they cannot move when you try to sit or stand.
- When you get out of bed, or off a chair after a long sit, it is a good idea to do it in slow stages.
- A sudden drop in blood pressure often leads to light-headedness when you stand quickly.
- Try tensing your arms and legs a few times before you stand as this often helps.
- Light up your stairs. Turn on lights at top and bottom of stairs.
- Use the handrail. Handrails on both sides of the stairs can make climbing the stairs easier.
- Avoid rushing.
- Keep stairs and landings clear from clutter.
Take Care in the Bath or Shower
- Avoid scalds - run hot and cold water together.
- Use a non-slip mat in the bath and shower.
- Have grab rails fitted to help keep balance while getting in and out of the bath and shower.
- Chip pans must never be more than one third full.
- Use a Timer to remind you when cooking is ready.
- Make sure all cooking appliances are turned off when you have finished cooking.
- Keep everything you need close at hand or where you can easily reach it.
Accidents are more likely after drinking alcohol. This is because it slows down our ability to react to situations that occur.
- Take medicine as directed by your Doctor or pharmacist.
- Never take medicines prescribed for someone else.
- Keep medicines in their original packing.
- Store medication together.
- Keep medicines out of reach of children.
- Speak to your Doctor if you think your medication is making you tired or dizzy.
- Ask your pharmacist if there is anything you are unsure of regarding your medicine.
You are more likely to fall if you have missed meals or have a poor diet. Try not to miss meals.
If you struggle with cooking:
- Wiltshire Farmfoods can deliver frozen ready meals direct to your door. For a free colour brochure FREEPHONE: 0800 773 773.
- Most supermarkets also sell ready meals.
- Several local establishments are offering a set-priced lunchtime menu for the over 60's.
Home Fire Safety
Ensure your home is fitted with a working smoke alarm - smoke alarms do not prevent fires but will give you an early warning.
- Never smoke in bed.
- Keep portable heaters away from curtains and furniture.
- Use electric blankets according to manufacturer's instructions. Have them regularly serviced and replace blankets that are over 10 years old or are showing signs of wear and tear.
To arrange for a free home fire safety check call 0800 169 1234.
You are more likely to fall if you have weak muscles and poor balance. A good way to make your muscles stronger and to improve your balance is to keep physically active.
- Try to accumulate at least 30 minutes of physical activity per day.
- Exercise can be fun - don't let age stand in your way!
- Try something new and find something that you enjoy.
EXTEND is a movement to music class specifically for older people.
Currently available at Springfield (retirement accommodation Rhosddu) Monday 2.30pm. Please contact 297018 for more details.
Walks are led by trained volunteer walk leaders and are suitable for people of all ages and abilities. It is a good opportunity to meet new people, get some fresh air and improve your fitness.
For more information on local walks contact: Anna Pollard or Alison Puddle on 01978 757524.
- Before starting to get physically active speak to your Doctor.
- Start gently.
- Build-up slowly.
- Don't try to do more than what you are comfortable with.
Accident Prevention Activities
A video is being produced to highlight hazards that occur in the homes of older people and how small changes can be made to reduce the risk of this happening.
Home Safety Checklist
This will be circulated with the video and will act as a reminder on how to make your homes safer.
Message in a Bottle
A scheme that provides emergency services with vital details including next of kin, illnesses, allergies etc.
This information is kept in a plastic bottle in the fridge.
Message in a bottle can be obtained from Pharmacies, Libraries, District Nurses, Doctors Surgeries, Places of Worship.