LIFESAVING SAFETY TIPS FOR SENIORS

By Pam Stone , BSW, Certified Case Manager (CCM) | February 27, 2024 |

Planning is important at all ages to prevent life altering incidents. As we age, this planning becomes even more important as our abilities to react both physically and mentally lessen. The following are some basic safety suggestions.

Fall Prevention – Over 7,000 seniors die as a result of falls each year.

Follow directions on all medications- especially those that can cause
Follow up with your doctor if you experience any dizziness, change in vision or other health issues that cause you to be unsteady.
Exercise and/or physical therapy can help with balance and
Avoid using area
Install handrails and grab
Wear non-slip footwear and walk

Signs of Choking

Inability to speak
Fear, panic
Struggling for air
Change in skin coloring
Little or no noise

The sign for choking is a hand on the throat with extended fingers. Call for help immediately if someone is choking.The Heimlich Maneuver or CPR should only be done by someone who has been properly trained.

Eating small bites, drinking (non-alcoholic options) with food, and chewing slowly can decrease choking hazards.

Kitchen Safety

Use oven mitts and roll up long sleeves. Make sure hot pads and mitts are not left in the oven when placing pans there.
Keep stove and oven areas clutter and grease
Turn pot handles
Never leave the stove unattended when
Let microwaved items set for 1-2 minutes before carefully removing Check that burners and oven are turned off before leaving the room and before bed.

Always run cool water over a burn – never use ice or butter. Call 911 if burn is serious.

Personal and Home Safety

Keep car doors locked, do not park in isolated
Carry a cell phone and know how to use
Only drive after dark if you are confident in your night Make sure you know the areas you are in.
Keep purses close to your body at all
Use common sense at all times. This is extremely important when you are outside of your home. Be aware of your Do not look like an “easy” victim. If something makes you uncomfortable, leave.
When returning home, especially after dark, have a family member or friend you can call before leaving your car, to let them know you are home and walking to your
Make your home look lived in: pick up newspapers and mail; keep landscaping
Use outdoor
Consider installing doorbells with cameras that you can

The primary source for this information is from the National Fire Safety Council, Inc. For additional information go to: nationalfiresafetycouncil.org