Protect Yourself at Home 

As your health and safety is of utmost importance to us, we will assess your home Safety to help you identify areas in your home, which may be hazardous for you.

Physical Objects

Kitchen

• Store food, dishes, and cooking equipment within easy reach. Place the most frequently used items between eye and knee level.
• Use a foot ladder with a handle to reach upper cabinets. Don’t stand on chairs or boxes.
• Keep cabinet doors and drawers closed.
• Keep dishcloths, dishtowels, oven mitts and other flammable items away from stove burners and flames.
• Ensure the ON” buttons work on all appliances.
• Ensure stove controls are accessible and easy to use.
• Keep workspace near the cooking area uncluttered.
• Remove throw rugs.
• Use non-skid floor wax.
• Clean up any liquids, grease, or food spilled on the floor immediately.

Living Areas

• Ensure stairs, and hallways are brightly lit.
• Put nightlights in the hallways.
• Make light switches accessible so they can be turned on and off:
  • without having to walk across a dark room
  • at the top and bottom of each stairway.
• Arrange furniture so it mdoesn’t block pathways in halls and rooms.
• Use sofas & chairs that:
  • are high and firm enough to sit and stand easily.
  • have armrests strong enough for getting in and out.
• Remove newspapers and all clutter from pathways and rooms.
• Secure loose area rugs with double-faced tape or tacks. Or, use area rugs with slip-resistant backing.
• Keep a list of emergency telephone numbers by the telephone.
• Keep electric, appliance and telephone cords out of walkways and do not place cords under a rug.
• Locate heaters at least 12-inches away from furniture and drapes.
• Keep low-rise coffee tables, magazine racks, footrests, and plants out of the path of traffic.
• Repair loose, wooden floorboards right away.
• Remove door sills higher than a ½- inch.

Bathroom

• Replace glass shower enclosures with non-shattering material.
• Place a non-skid mat in the bathtub/shower.
• Mount a liquid soap dispenser on the bathtub/shower wall.
• Install grab-bars on the bathtub/shower and adjacent to the toilet.
• Don’t hold onto towel bars or soap dishes when you move in the bathroom, as they may not support your weight.
• If using the toilet is problematic, use a:
  • raised toilet seat, for difficulties getting on and off; or,
  • toilet seat with armrests, for stabilizing difficulties.
• Use a bath bench and hand-held shower spray if you:
  • are unsteady;
  • are unable to stand; or,
  • have difficulty getting into and out of a bathtub.
• Set water temperature below scalding (e.g. set it below 120° F); and.
• Put in a night light.

Bedroom

• Sleep on a bed that is easy to get into and out of (e.g., it should not be lower than back-of-the-knee height.).
• Place a “rug grabber” between the mattress and the box spring to prevent the mattress from sliding.
• Use bedsheets and covers that are made of non-slippery material (e.g., wool or cotton).
• Place a chair with armrests & a firm seat in the bedroom to reduce falls while dressing.
• Avoid using furniture with castors or that tends to roll.
• Place a lamp next to the bed that can be reached in the dark.
• Place a flashlight next to the lamp for use during power outages.
• Put in night lights in the bedroom and hallway leading to the bathroom.
• Place an accessible telephone next to the bed.
• Keep list of emergency telephone numbers by the telephone.
• Keep clutter off the bedroom floor.
• Replace scatter rugs with non-skid matts.
• Position clothes in the closet so they are easy to reach.

Steps & Stairs

• Install sturdy handrails on both sides of the stairs, indoors and outdoors. Each handrail should be 30-inches above the stairs and extend the full length of the stairs.
• Make sure the outdoor steps have a non-skid surface.
• Consider using motion-detector lights, which will automatically turn on when someone walks by, if:
  • light switches are not installed at the top and bottom of indoor stairs; or,
  • insufficient light is available outside to clearly show entrance steps and walkways.
• Keep stairs and steps clear of packages, boxes, or clutter.
• Provide enough light to clearly see each stair and the top and bottom landings.
• Keep easily accessible flashlights at the top and bottom of the stairs in case there is a power outage.
• Replace any loose area rugs at the top and bottom of the stairs with non-skid matts.
• Make sure runner mats, carpeting or other floor covering on your stairs are well fastened.
• Use solid colored carpeting, instead of patterned, dark, or deep-pile carpeting, to show the edges of steps more clearly.
• Put non-slip treads on each bare-wood step.
• Keep stairs and outdoor steps in good condition.
• Repair loose stairway carpeting or wooden boards immediately.

Falls

Older adults, especially women, are most at risk for falling, which can result in loss of mobility and independence. Falls can lead to fractures (e.g., broken hip, ankle, ribs), traumatic brain injuries, concussions and hospitalizations. Fractures occurring in the home usually happen while performing regular activities such as walking up & down stairs, tripping, working in the kitchen or going to the bathroom. By choosing a healthy lifestyle and making minor safety adaptations, your risk of falling can be reduced.

Why Falls Happen

Medical Risk Factors

• Acute illness such as infection, flu, pneumonia and surgery;
• Medical conditions such as Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Multiple Sclerosis, Stroke, Parkinson’s Disease, Heart Disease, Cancer, Dementia and Depression; and,
• Medication side effects.

Personal Risk Factors

• Insufficient exercise can result in generalized weakness, reduction in muscle strength, poor balance, slower reaction time and coordination difficulties.
• Lifestyle habits such as smoking and excessive alcohol decrease bone strength.
• Aging causes deterioration in balance, strength, eyesight, hearing and ability to react to the environment.
• Dehydration and inadequate nutrition, especially protein, Calcium or Vitamin D, can drain strength and energy.

Lifestyle Choices

Health & Medications:

• Arrange for annual vision, hearing, dental and physical checkups, which include heart and blood pressure exams.
• Ensure your diet contains the recommended amounts of protein, calcium and Vitamin D.
• Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol in-take.
• Have your supplements, prescriptions and over-the-counter medications reviewed regularly by your Health Practitioner or Pharmacist. Ask about possible side effects.
• Consult a Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist or a pharmacy, if you feel you need an assistive mobility device.

Exercise:

• Consult with your Health Practitioner before starting an exercise program.
• Perform exercises that will help improve coordination, balance, agility and strength, especially activities that will strengthen your bones (e.g., hiking, jogging, stair climbing and using weights).
• Choose hobbies that involve exercising (e.g., dancing, bicycling, walking, Yoga, Tai Chi, gardening, bowling and golfing).

Footwear:

• Wear weather appropriate footwear with good support (e.g., soles have non-slip treads and have a thickness that will enable you to “feel’ how your foot is positioned).
• Wear shoes and slippers that fit well:
  • Don’t wear loose-fitting shoes or slippers.
  • Tie shoelaces securely.
  • Don’t wear high heels.
• Don’t wear socks or stockings without also wearing shoes or slippers.

Risky Behavior:

• Climbing ladders or using a chair in place of a stable step stool with a safety rail.
• Lack of awareness of medication interactions.
• Not wearing glasses or contact lenses when vision is compromised.
• Neglecting assistive mobility aids (e.g., walkers or canes) by not:
  • using them when they are needed;
  • using them correctly; or,
  • properly maintaining them.
• Lifting or trying to carry bags which are too heavy or unevenly loaded.
• Getting up from a lying or sitting position too quickly.

Social and Economic Factors:

• Living alone.
• Limited or no social support or connections available closely.
• Insufficient income to:
  • choose a healthy lifestyle through diet and physical activity; and/or,
  • cover home adaptations, as age and mobility changes take place.
• Lack of accessible and safe housing.
• Lack of access to health care services due to geography, social isolation, language or literacy issues.

What to Do if You Fall

• Don’t panic. Take a moment to catch your breath
• Assess your situation and determine if you are injured.
• If you decide to get up:
  • Lie on your side, bend the leg that is on top and lift yourself onto your elbows or hands.
  • Pull yourself toward an armchair or other sturdy object.
  • Kneel, while placing both hands on the chair or object.
  • Place your stronger leg in front, holding onto the chair or object.
  • Stand up.
  • Very carefully, turn and sit down.
• If you cannot get up:
  • If you feel any discomfort or are unable to get up, try to get help.
  • Call out for help if you think you can be heard.
  • If you have an emergency call device (e.g., Medic Alert) or telephone at hand, use it.
  • If you don't have an emergency call device, try to slide yourself towards a telephone or a place where you will be heard.
  • Make noise with your cane or another object to attract attention.
  • Wait for help in the most comfortable position for you.
  • If you can, place a pillow under your head and cover yourself with a piece of clothing or a blanket to stay warm.
  • Try to move your joints to ease circulation and prevent stiffness.
• Report the fall to your Health Care Provider and discuss medical, environmental and lifestyle factors which may have led to the fall and how you might lower your risk of future falls.

What to Do if Someone Else Falls

Should you see someone fall:

• Resist the urge to get the person up immediately.
• Check out his/her condition e.g.:
  • Is the person conscious or unconscious?
  • Does the person appear to be injured?
  • Reassure the person.

If the individual cannot get up:

• Call for help and administer First Aid, if you are able to do so.
• Help the person find a comfortable position.
• Keep him/her warm using an item of clothing or blanket.

If the individual appears able to get up:

• Bring a chair close by:
  • Help the person turn onto the side and bend the upper leg.
  • Help the person get into a semi-seated position.
• Place yourself behind the person:
  • Get a firm grip on the person’s hips.
  • Help the person to a kneeling position;
  • Get person to place both their hands on the chair.
• Hold on to the chair:
  • Have the person place his/her stronger leg in front.
  • Help guide the person's leg to the front.
• Firmly grab the person’s hips:
  • Help the person to stand.
  • Help the person to turn and sit on the chair.

Oxygen Therapy

When oxygen is being used in the home, safety measures must be taken to protect all members of the household. Some precautions you can take are:

• Do not allow smoking in a room that contains oxygen equipment.
• Do not store oxygen equipment near a heat source or open flame.
• Do not use electrical equipment within 5-feet of the oxygen cylinder, which includes the tubing and nasal cannula/mask.
• Do not use extension cords with oxygen equipment.
• Do not place any of the following near an oxygen system:
  • aerosol cans or sprays;
  • grease, oil, & petroleum products; and,
  • flammable material.
• Prevent tripping by securing:
  • loose cords;
  • extra tubing; and,
  • floor mats & throw rugs
• Ensure functioning smoke detectors and fire extinguishers are kept in the home at all times.
• Turn cylinder valve off when the oxygen is not in use.
• Do not store full and empty cylinders together.
• Keep a back-up supply of oxygen in case of an emergency.

Medical Equipment

Home medical equipment refers to assistive devices that individuals use to manage their care at home, e.g.:

• hospital bed;
• mobility aids (canes, crutches, walkers, scooters, manual & power wheelchairs);
• floor or ceiling lift devices;
• oxygen concentrators;
• pressure relief mattresses;
• non-conventional glucose monitors;
• personal care aids (bath chairs, commodes, dressing aids);
• prostheses (artificial limbs);
• orthotics (therapeutic footwear); and,
• oxygen concentrators.

Safety Measures for Medical Equipment

• Provide adequate electrical power.
• Register electrically powered equipment (e.g., oxygen, ventilator) with your local power company.
• Notify power company if there is a power outage and you are using oxygen, a ventilator, or an IV pump. Check their batteries regularly.
• Take precautions with electrical outlets, e.g.:
  • Keep appliances and cords clean and in good condition.
  • Avoid “octopus” outlet with several plugs.
  • Use grounded electrical outlets.
  • Unplug electrical outlets before water comes in contact with them.
• Keep manufacturer’s instructions nearby.
• Perform routine and preventative maintenance.
• Contact the supplier for instructions if you have equipment problems.

Medication Management

• Keep a list of each medication you take and know the reason for taking it.
• Advise your doctor about all medications, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins and supplements you take.
• Don’t take medication that was prescribed to another individual.
• Always read the label before taking a medication.
• Always follow your doctor’s directions on when and how to take the medication.
• Keep your medication in its original container.
• Store medication according its instructions, e.g.:
  • Keep in a cool, dry place.
  • Protect from excessive cold or heat, unless instructed otherwise.
  • Keep out of direct sunlight.
  • Keep in refrigerator, if required.
• Keep medications and cleaning materials out of reach of children, pets and confused individuals.
• Take expired medication to pharmacy for disposal.

Food & Water Safety

Food

• The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) supports these basic steps for flood safety:

Clean

• Always wash your food, hands, counters, and cooking tools.
• Wash hands in warm soapy water for at least 20-seconds. Do this before and after touching food.
• Wash your cutting boards, dishes, forks, spoons, knives, and counter tops with hot soapy water. Do this after working with each food item.
• Rinse fruits and veggies.
• Clean the lids on canned goods before opening.

Separate Foods Types

• Keep raw foods to themselves. Germs can spread from one food to another.
• Keep raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs away from other foods. Do this in your shopping cart, bags, and fridge.
• Do not reuse marinades used on raw foods unless you bring them to a boil first.
• Use a special cutting board or plate for raw foods only.

Cook

• Foods need to get hot and stay hot. Heat kills germs.
• Cook to safe temperatures:
  • Beef, Pork, Lamb 145 °F
  • Fish 145 °F
  • Ground Beef, Pork, Lamb 160 °F
  • Turkey, Chicken, Duck 165 °F
• Use a food thermometer to make sure that food is done. You can’t always tell by looking.

Chill

• Put food in the fridge right away.
• 2-Hour Rule: Put foods in the fridge or freezer within 2 hours after cooking or buying from the store. Do this within 1 hour if it is 90 degrees or hotter outside.
• Never thaw food by simply taking it out of the fridge. Instead thaw food:
  • in the fridge;
  • under cold water; or,
  • in the microwave;

Marinate food in the fridge

Contaminated Drinking Water

Do not use contaminated water to wash dishes, brush teeth, prepare food, wash hands, make ice or make baby formula. In emergency situations, use bottled water, if available. If not:

• Boil Water
  • If the water is cloudy:
    • Filter it through a clean cloth, paper towel, or coffee filter or allow it to settle.
    • Draw off the clear water.
    • Bring the clear water to a rolling boil for 1 minute (at elevations above 6,500 feet, boil for 3-minutes).
    • Let the boiled water cool.
    • Store the boiled water in clean sanitized containers with tight covers.
  • If the water is clear:
    • Bring the clear water to a rolling boil for 1-minute (at elevations above 6,500 feet, boil for 3-minutes).
    • Let the boiled water cool.
    • Store the boiled water in clean sanitized containers with tight covers.
• Disinfect Water (Note: Disinfectants will not make water drinkable, if chemicals caused the contamination.)
  • Filter water through a clean cloth, paper towel, or coffee filter or allow it to settle.
  • Draw off the clear water.
  • To kill bacteria, treat water with:
    • chlorine tablets (follow container’s directions);
    • iodine tablets (follow container’s directions); or,
    • household chlorine bleach (1/8 tsp./gallon if water is clear; ¼ tsp/gallon, if water is cloudy, colored or very cold).
  • Stir well and let sit for 30-minutes before drinking.
  • Stored disinfected water in clean, sanitized containers.

Child Safety

• Store all medications out of reach of children.
• Keep cleaners and chemicals out of reach of children, pets and confused individuals.
• Keep side rails (bed or crib) up. Never leave child unattended on a high surface.
• Keep emergency numbers near your phone; include your doctor and the Poison control phone numbers. Poison Control Phone: 1-800-222-1222
• Always use a car seat or restraint appropriate for a child. Install and use it properly.
• Keep electrical, phone and window cords beyond the child’s reach, especially near cribs and on floors.
• Keep windows closed and locked when children are around.
• Do not leave children unattended on fire escapes or balconies.