Senior Safety Articles

Senior Safety

Most people feel that their home is the safest place to be. But for seniors, home is often where many "accidents" occur. Falls and burns are among the most frequent injuries they suffer.

Check out the following ideas to help reduce the risk of injuries in the home:

Automatic Shut-Off Appliances. When you buy a new small appliance, such as an iron, kettle, or coffee makers, choose ones that are light-weight, equipped with controls that are easy to see and use, and have an automatic shut-off switch. The switch turns the appliance off once it has been idle for a few minutes, eliminating the risk of fire.

Bath Safety Thermometers. Hot water can cause severe burns in seconds. Use a bath safety thermometer to check that the water temperature of a bath or shower is just right. As a long-term precaution, set the water heater to 54°C (130°F). If the home is in an apartment block, ask the superintendent to adjust the temperature.

To check the hot water temperature, let the tap run for two minutes before filling a mug. Measure the temperature with a candy thermometer.

Hand-held Showerheads. Hand-held showerheads are another great safety device for seniors. They make showering easier because they call be mounted at lower positions. This is particularly important when the person is taking a shower while sitting.

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors. Some seniors have physical conditions that can restrict their movements, or they are on medication that can affect decision-making and response time. The thought of a fire or accident in their home can be extremely frightening.

Pick up a smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector and don't forget the batteries. Replace units more than 10 years old. Install a smoke alarm on each floor and outside bedrooms. Test the detector to make sure it will wake a sleeping senior.

Non-Slip Mats. A few non-slip mats for the kitchen, laundry room, and bathroom can help seniors keep a sure footing when floors are wet.

Night Lights/Touch Lights. Stairways, entranceways, and hallways need to be properly lit for safety. Help light the way and prevent falls with night-lights or touch lights. Some night lights have built in sensors that turn the light on when the room becomes dim.

Microwave Ovens. For seniors who worry about leaving the stove on, a microwave oven works fast and features automatic cooking options that can make meal preparation a snap.

But note that food and containers cooked in microwaves, as in conventional ovens, may get hot enough to burn. Everyone should take care when removing items from the oven. When lids, wraps, or tight covers are lifted after cooking, they should be opened away from the face and eyes because steam build-up can burn.

Cords. Electric or telephone cords that run across the floor or carpet can be hazardous. Use self-adhesive clips to fasten the cord to the wall. These clips call be purchased at most hardware stores.

In The News

Feeling tired all the time? You’re not alone. In fact, fatigue is one of the most common complaints that bring adults to doctors’ offices. Numerous studies indicate that people who see their doctor about fatigue have generally experienced it for a considerable length of time — anywhere from six months to several years!

Fatigue can be due to numerous causes, such as medical conditions like congestive heart failure, hypothyroidism or diabetes. It can also be a result of sleep disturbances brought on by menopause, or by physical changes that accompany aging. But while fatigue may be an inescapable part of life, there’s no need to take it lying down. Your body is geared toward generating energy as well as expending it. And there are numerous strategies to help regain the physical and mental energy needed to enjoy life to its fullest.

Eat for energy

The tried-and-true advice for healthful eating also applies to keeping your energy level high:

• Eat a balanced diet that includes a variety of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats with an emphasis on vegetables, whole grains, and healthy oils. Taking a daily multivitamin will ensure that you get the vitamins and minerals you need, but taking extra amounts of individual nutrients won’t give you more energy.

• Eating certain types of foods in particular amounts can help prevent fatigue. Because different kinds of foods are converted to energy at different rates, some — such as candy and other simple sugars — can give you a quick lift, while others — such as whole grains and healthy unsaturated fats — supply the reserves you’ll need to draw on throughout the day.

• Eat small, frequent meals. Where energy is the issue, it’s better to eat small meals and snacks every few hours than three large meals a day. This approach can reduce your perception of fatigue because your brain, which has very few energy reserves of its own, needs a steady supply.

Reduce stress

The most common cause of persistent fatigue is stress and the emotional response to it. People who feel fatigued most of the time don’t necessarily have more stress in their lives than other people, but they may be more sensitive to its effects. Stress-induced emotions consume huge amounts of energy. Relaxation therapy can be an effective tool for reducing stress and naturally boosting your energy, particularly when used in combination with cognitive behavioral therapy. Meditation, self-hypnosis, yoga, and tai chi are all relaxation techniques. One of the easiest techniques to use is progressive muscle relaxation, which involves systematically tightening and releasing sets of muscles, beginning with your toes and progressing up your legs, torso, hands, and arms. You might also consider other relaxation therapies, including aromatherapy and massage.

No matter what age you are, there are things that you can do to feel more energetic. Harvard Health Publications’ Boosting Your Energy report will help you take the first steps toward discovering the causes of your fatigue. This Special Health Report provides you with the latest information about fatigue and offers strategies to help you regain your physical and mental energy. The report discusses medical conditions that may be the cause of your fatigue as well as ways to naturally boost your energy.