Home Safety
Home Safety
Ensuring a safe home is crucial for maintaining good health, especially in old age. Safety can be immediately enhanced through simple devices and attention to detail.
At home and in the living room:
- It is advisable to refrain from using carpets because they can increase the risk of falls. If you choose to keep carpets, ensure that they are firmly secured to the floor to prevent tripping hazards.
- A floor with many items makes it difficult to pass. Keep the floor as clear as possible and store any items that obstruct the way
- Make sure there is sufficient illumination and accessible switches to turn it on
- Install a smoke detector in the kitchen and in rooms with large electrical appliances
- It is recommended to have emergency lighting around the house
In the bedroom:
- Position a nightlight next to the bed in an accessible location
- Check the height of your bed so it fits your height
- Put a telephone next to your bed so you can use it, if required
In the bathroom and toilet:
- Locate an anti-slip surface inside the shower or bathtub
- It is essential to install handrails and grab bars in the shower or bathtub and next to the toilet, and make sure they are located at the appropriate height according to the person’s needs
Kitchen safety:
- Ensure that necessary items are easily accessible without the need to use a chair or a ladder or to bend down
- Try to keep the counter surface free of unused items and leave space for items that are frequently used and needed within reach
It is also important and possible to prepare in advance for emergency situations.
Safety in every room
Distress button
The distress button is an extremely important safety and security measure as it is connected to a call center that operates all year round and around the clock and provides an immediate response in times of emergency and distress.
Currently, the distress button comes in two versions: The primary and most recognized version is a device with a button. If you are in distress, pressing the button will alert the emergency call center, which will then dispatch an ambulance to your residence. The second version, which is relatively recent, involves using a smartwatch where you can input your personal information and details. In case of an emergency, you can press the button, and an ambulance will be dispatched to your house. Additionally, the call center can detect any abnormal changes in the data received from the watch. Another device is intended for mounting in the car.
The watch is best suited for mobile and independent people; however, it also enables detection of anyone wearing it, so it also suits people with cognitive decline. The permanent device is more suitable for people who are mobility-restricted and are mainly at home.
The cost of the distress button and the watch differs among different companies. While the service can be obtained privately, it is worth mentioning that there are several initiatives available to help individuals acquire the distress button at a reduced price. For instance, the Supportive Community Project (Hebrew), initiated by the Ministry of Welfare and the local authorities, is designed for individuals who have reached retirement age. Through this project, which requires a co-payment, it is also possible to receive a distress button and additional services in the community, such as a building caretaker who takes care of house maintenance, a social worker, and various social activities.
How do you exercise your eligibility: Contact the Welfare Department in your place of residence. The Welfare Departments in the local authorities provide additional services to senior citizens who live at home, often in collaboration with local associations and initiatives. Obtain information about these services in your place of residence.
How to prepare for emergency situations:
Preparing for unexpected emergencies associated with your medical condition and your personal safety may be lifesaving. Here are some actions you should take at this moment:
- Prepare a list of important telephone numbers and put it by the phone for emergency
- Provide a spare key to trusted neighbors for house access
- When at home, do not leave the key in the lock. Always lock the door and remove the key
- Obtain a distress button or a watch connected to an emergency call center for emergency situations
- Make sure there is emergency lighting installed in the house
For further reading on preparing for emergency situations (an earthquake, war, or fire)