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Safety At Home
By Uma Rajagopal
“Home” can be the warmest, safest and most comfortable place in the world, until it is not. Safety comes in many forms: protection, security, shelter and wellbeing. We think we are safe in our homes yet this is the place where most common fatal accidents occur. Among these accidents, we find that fires and falls are among the top ten reasons for these fatalities.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), fires and burns are No. 3 on the list of fatal injuries in homes. Nearly 10 Americans die daily on average due to fires, mostly because of smoke inhalation rather than burns. Small children and adults over age 65 are most vulnerable. Although cooking accidents cause the most fires in homes, most fatalities result from fires started by smoking, and alcohol is a contributing factor in 40 percent of deadly fires. Homes are where 80 percent of fire deaths occur. To reduce the risks, the CDC recommends smoke alarms --- 40 percent of fatalities occurred in homes that had none.
According to The National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, falls are the leading cause of fatalities for older adults. Over half of all falls occur in the home. Falls can lead to fractures and traumas and perhaps shorten one’s lifespan. People who fall are afraid they will fall again. To that end, they will limit their activities and mobility. But this will only decrease their optimum level of functioning and may actually increase their potential to fall.
Older Americans can protect themselves from falls by exercising to improve balance and strength. They should be as active as possible to maintain their mobility. Their medications should be checked to ensure that interactions are not causing side effects that lead to falls. They should have eye examinations every year and if needed, update their eyeglasses to maximize their vision. Make their homes safer by reducing tripping hazards, adding grab bars and railings, and improving the lighting in their homes.
Rehab at Home provides home safety evaluations prior to discharge. This will give the resident the best possible starting point to prevent an accident and reduce or minimize the risk of an injury.
Uma Rajagopal
Uma is the CEO and Administrator of Rehab at Home. Rehab at Home, a division of Therapy Resources Management, LLC, is a licensed, full service home health care agency devoted to taking a personalized approach to health care. It is Medicare Certified, Joint Commission Accredited and Licensed.
For more information call our referral line at (508) 673-5500.
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