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Gama Leyva
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Home Safety TipsFor seniors, and for the rest of
us!
Each year, according to estimates by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission (CPSC), nearly one million people over age 65 are treated in hospital
emergency rooms for injuries associated with the products they live with
and use everyday. The death rate from unintentional injuries in the home is
approximately three times greater for older people than for the younger
population.
Specifically, there are 60 deaths per 100,000 persons 65 and older, while there
are 20 deaths per 100,000 persons under 65. Slips and falls are the main source of injury for older people in the home. CPSC recommends the use of grab-bars and non-slip mats in the bathtub, handrails on both sides of the stairs, and slip-resistant carpets and rugs. Burns occur from hot tap water and from open flame. CPSC recommends that consumers turn down the temperature of their water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit to help prevent scalds. CPSC also recommends the installation and maintenance of at least one smoke detector on every floor of the home. Older consumers should consider purchasing nightwear that is flame resistant and choose garments made of tightly woven fabrics such as 100% polyester, 100% nylon, or 100% wool. Safety For Older Consumers
Home Safety Checklist
Each year, many older
Americans are injured in and around their homes. The U.S. Consumer Product
Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that in 1981, over 622,000 people over age 65
were treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries associated with products
they live with and use everyday. CPSC believes that many of these injuries
result from hazards that are easy to overlook, but also easy to fix. By spotting
these hazards and taking some simple steps to correct them, many injuries might
be prevented. Use this checklist to spot possible safety problems which may be
present in your home. Keep this checklist as a reminder of safe practices, and
use it periodically to re-check your home. This checklist is organized by areas
in the home. However, there are some potential hazards that need to be checked
in more than just one area of your home.
We recommend that you set aside an afternoon and
systematically go through your home, using this home
safety checklist.
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