THE SAGE CONNECTION

How Safe is Your Home?

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When you think about home safety what comes to mind?  Locks on your doors and windows? Alarm systems?  Bushes and trees trimmed back so they can’t break windows or cause damage to your roof during a storm?

Do you keep your car keys and phone by your bedside? If your car keys have a fob with an alarm, it is often enough to scare off would be burglars or alert your neighbors you are in distress.

These are all important things to consider. If you live in the country, you should also make sure you have a fire clearing around your home. The fire season is almost upon us.

But what about the inside? Falls account for more senior accidents and deaths than diseases. Often the very dangers that could cause a fall are right in front of us but we fail to see them.

Cords can be very dangerous even when we are using the appliance they are connected to. Vacuums, irons, lamps and charging stations are used often without a thought of entanglement.

Bathtubs are great for soaking away aches and pains; showers are a refreshing way to start the day. But if you don’t have bars attached firmly to the walls of your tub it could be life-threatening.

Walk-in showers are great but also should have bars installed. Shower floors can become very slippery even if you use a mat.

Spills are another danger zone. Eyesite may not be as good as it once was, and it’s easy to miss some liquid while you are wiping the floor.

Carrying a load of laundry to the washer can be tricky if you haven’t checked the pathway for “trip items” beforehand.

If you have young grandchildren there is always the possibility of toys left out, food or drink spills or entanglement with the little ones underfoot. Dogs and cats are famous for this.

Isolation can be another problem.  A home with acreage might have been great when you were younger.  For older adults it can be too much to take care of and a great stressor for your loved ones. Downsizing to a senior community might be the best solution for some of us.

If you prefer to live alone there are other steps you can take to ensure help will be available to you if you need it. Some folks make arrangements with neighbors such as a time of day when curtains or blinds are raised or lowered signifying all is well.

Family and/or friends can make a daily phone call to check on you. South Sound Senior Services' Care Connection Program will make calls if you have no family or friends close by. They also provide exercise and yoga classes when COVID - 19 is not making it necessary for seclusion. In the meantime, these options are available on your television.

Meals on Wheels deliveries are another safety device with daily check-ins while delivering meals.

There are also several devices available to wear on your wrist or around your neck that connects you to a live person if you are in distress. They will call you to see what the problem is, and if they receive no answer, phone the next contact on your list or just call 911.

These tips may seem simple but when we have lived in a home for a long time or even for a short while, they can be overlooked.  The keys to avoiding a fall are awareness, exercise to improve balance, planning ahead and good lighting.

Most importantly of all, have a plan of what you need to live independently, and be realistic about what your physical and mental abilities are.

And remember, being prepared is the best weapon for smart aging.

Kathleen Anderson writes this column each week.  Contact her at  kathleen@theJOLTnews.com or post your comment below. 

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