Home Safety

More accidental deaths occur in the home than on the road – about 3000 a year. And there are plenty of less serious accidents waiting to happen. Some commonsense home safety tips and a few helpful products can help save you from becoming part of these statistics.

If you should fall…

Many frail older people are prone to falling – and are then unable to get up, even though they may be uninjured. One in three people aged over 65 fall at least once a year, and a previous fall is one of the key predictors of future falls.

There is now a new manual version of the well-regarded Raizer emergency lifting chair, which is more suitable for use in the home.

Like the other Raizers, the new Raizer M is put together around the person who has fallen, and then a crank handle is used to raise the chair, lifting them back onto their feet, all in five minutes or less, with no manual lifting required.

Because it doesn’t have a motor, it is always ready to use – no need to remember to charge it up. And for the same reason, it is more cost-effective and therefore accessible to elderly couples who would like a way of dealing with their own falls, if uninjured, rather than having to call an ambulance.

Continuing to improve fall assistance devices is key for protecting older people and reducing the cost of falls on the healthcare service.
 

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Home safety: Stairs

Staircases need a little caution. A daily total of 1000 people in the UK fall on stairs and steps. Make sure lighting is good, and don’t allow trip hazards, such as loose rugs, or items waiting to be carried up or down stairs…

A newel rail (shown right) fixed to the banister post at the top and bottom of the stairs can provide extra support for anyone whose balance is not great.

A gate across the stairs is also a good idea to protect people who are sometimes confused, as well as unsteady on their feet.

We have a comprehensive section on fall prevention, which includes lots of information about avoiding falls, and what to do if you or someone you care for do have a fall.

 

Night lights

You are more likely to fall, not surprisingly, when you get up in the night, and the darkness is disorienting. A low-energy night light can provide just enough illumination to keep you safe.

Shown here is an automatic LED light which provides 30,000 hours of economical background light, switching on automatically when it gets dark.

 

Gas, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

Smoke detectors are a familiar part of most homes, now. If you don’t have one, get one! If you do, remember to check the batteries regularly. If your hearing is impaired, combine the detector with an alarm that flashes a bright light and/or vibrates under the pillow at night.

Carbon monoxide detectors are also inexpensive, and should be installed if you have gas appliances or open fires in your home.
 

Turners for Keys, Taps, etc

Fumbling with keys on your doorstep on a cold winter’s night can make anyone feel a bit vulnerable. Solutions to this common problem range from high-tech – remote control door locking systems, similar to car central locking – to low-tech key turners which fit onto a Yale type key and provide a comfortable moulded rubber handle to grip and turn more easily.

There is more information about door entry systems here

Inability to turn taps or gas taps on the cooker off quickly when necessary can also be hazardous. As an alternative to replacing taps on the sink, bath or wash basin, you can fit tap turners, which give you more leverage. Similar turners are available to adapt the controls on gas cookers, etc.