1. By: Angela Thomas

2.  Each year, according to estimates by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), nearly 1 million people over the age of 65 are treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries associated with the products they live with and use everyday. The death rate from accidental injuries in the home is approximately three times greater for older people than for the younger population.  The CPSC believes that many injuries to the elderly in their home result from hazards that are easily overlooked, but also easy to repair.

3. According to the CPSC, in 1982 over 2,500 people over the age of 65 were treated in the emergency room for injuries due from tripping over rugs or carpeting. Therefore, safety measures for rugs and carpeting are:  They should not be worn or torn.  Area rugs, if used, should have nonskid backing and not placed in high traffic areas.  Throw rugs or bath mats should not be used in the bathroom.  Area rugs that tend to slide should be removed.

4.  Electrical cords and telephone wires should be placed along the walls and not underneath rugs or furniture, and away from high traffic areas.  Door thresholds should be removed or lowered to avoid tripping.  There should be clear passageways throughout the whole house.  Handrails should be sturdy and securely fastened. ( This includes the stairways inside and outside the home, and the showe r).  The use of a cane or walker can be used for stability, if necessary.  Elderly should wear shoes with rubber soles for good traction and support. Shoes should be proper fitting with a low heel.

5.  Emergency numbers and home address should be posted beside each telephone. Also, the telephone should be within reach from the floor or they should carry a cell phone.  All areas of the home should be well lit for safety.  Electrical overload protection should be provided by circuit breakers, fuses, or with surge protection cords.  A fire extinguisher and smoke detector should be on every floor.  Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms should be installed and working.  Electrical cords should be in good condition, and not frayed or cracked.  The thermostat on the water heater should be set to 120 degrees F or lower to prevent accidental burning.

6.  If the elderly patient has a gas stove, it needs to be equipped with pilot lights and an automatic shut-off in the event of flame failure.  The stove should be not located under a window with curtains that might fall onto a burner.  Elderly should avoid wearing long, loose clothing when cooking over the stove.  The floors should be clean and uncluttered.  The kitchen cabinets should not be too high to be easily reached.  Counter tops should be at the right height and have plenty of space to keep carrying and lifting to a minimum.  Heavier objects should be stored at waist level.

7.  There should be a lamp or flashlight within reach of their bed.  A nightlight could be used to brighten the way to the bathroom at night.  There should be plenty of space to walk around the bed.  The bedside table needs to be large enough for the telephone, or cell phone, glasses, and any other important items.  Encourage them to make their bedroom on the first floor of their home.  A sturdy chair with arms can be used for them to sit on while getting dressed.  Elderly should always get up slowly after sitting or lying down.

8.  The bathtub and shower should have a nonskid mat or strips on the standing area.  Grab bars are installed on the walls by the bathtub, shower, and toilet.  Skid-proof the tub and/or shower, and make sure the bath mat has a non-slip bottom.  The tub and/or shower should have a single lever, anti-scald faucet.  Mark hot and cold faucets clearly.  The use of doors locks that can be opened from both sides is a plus.  If it is possible, wait for someone to be in your home when you bathe.  The towel bars and soap dish in the tub and/or shower stall should be durable and firmly installed.

10. When the patient is cared for within a health care facility, you need to determine if any hazards exist in the immediate care environment.  Does the placement of equipment (e.g. drainage bags, IV pumps) or furniture pose barriers when the patient attempts to move around the room?  Does positioning of the patient’s bed allow the patient to easily reach items on a bedside table or stand?  Does the patient need assistance with movement?  Does the patient have multiple tubes or IV lines?  Is the patient’s call bell within reach?  Is everything the patient will need within his or her reach?

11.  To ensure patient safety in the healthcare environment, the staff should conduct a 360-degree overview of the patient’s room each time they enter or leave the room.  Give your patient a chance to speak up to express a need or make a request.  The medical personal collaborates with the clinical engineering staff to make sure that equipment has been inspected to ensure its proper function and condition.  The medical staff should eliminate environmental hazards, such as clutter, inappropriate lighting, and any flooring problems.  The staff should arrange everything according to the patient’s preference.

12.  The medical staff should check all emergency exits to make sure that they are not blocked.  The staff should check all hallways to make sure that there is no clutter or tripping hazards.  All patient rooms must have the appropriate lighting.  All sharps, trash, biohazard trash, and laundry should be put in the right areas.  The crash cart should be properly stocked.  The floors are to be clean and dry.  All medication should be stored in a locked cabinet.

13.  All staff members need to be up to date on his or her vaccines.  The staff needs to be trained in the facility’s current Standard Safety Precautions and Bloodborne Pathogens plan.  The staff needs to wear the appropriate personal protective equipment at all times to protect themselves and his or her patients.  The staff should know the facility’s emergency plan and what to do if needed.

14. Environmental Safety for the Elderly Patient

15. Older adults interact with the environment in ways that reflect their changing lifestyles and changing physical capabilities.  Some ideas to improve the safety for the elderly while still allowing them to enjoy the outdoors: 1) Have someone go with them and/or drive them where they need to go. This may include taking a cab or riding the bus. 2) Have someone run their errands for them when it is extremely hot, rainy, cold, and/or icy outside. 3) Go out during the day when it is easier to see and when there are more people out to help them if you needed. 4) Carry emergency phone numbers with them.

16.  Find other entrances to a building to avoid using the stairs or have someone help them up the stairs if there is no railing.  Stay on carpeted floors whenever possible in buildings to avoid slippery floors.  Use a walker or cane for stability.  Wear shoes with rubber soles for good traction and support.  Be careful on curbs. Be aware of the height of them before stepping up or down them.

17.  The steps and walkways into the home should be in good condition, with no cracks.  Handrails should be sturdy and securely fastened on all entrances.  Doorways, steps, porches, and walkways should have good lighting.  Steps going into their house should be replaced with ramps.  Security lighting should be installed outside the home.  The use of a walker or cane should be suggested for extra stability.  Trees and shrubs should not hide the view of the street from the driveway.

18.  Urge your elderly patients and their loved ones to have an emergency plan in place, because unexpected incidents are just that: unplanned.  Suggest that they ask the patient’s neighbors to be part of the plan, as they can also play a vital role in ensuring his or her outdoor safety and security.  A good plan will include who to call first — family, friends, or neighbors — and all the vital steps to take so that all emergency bases are covered.  Have them check with their loved one to determine where he or she should be taken in the event of an emergency.  Practice the plan from time to time to make sure everyone is capable of escape quickly and safely.  Know your community resources that have 24-hour support to help you with daily activities or emergencies if needed.  Use a system such as Life Alert, in the case of an emergency.

19.  http://www.cdc.gov/healthyplaces/healthtopics/pa rks.htm  http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/consumer/099 13.html  http://www.aplaceformom.com/senior-care- resources/articles/home-safety-tips-for-seniors  http://www.nachi.org/elderlysafety.htm  http://www.us.elsevierhealth.com/media/us/sampl echapters/9780323079334/sample_Chapter%2027.pdf  http;//www.americannursetoday.com/special- supplement-to-america-nurse-today-best- practices-for-falls-reduction-a-practical-guide/  http://www.agingcare.com/Articles/Safety-tips- prevent-falls-among-elderly-parents-137785.htm