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Home Safety

27 December 2023

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

Put a chair in the entryway so you can sit on it and take off your shoes. It is essential to arrange the furniture and other items in the house to allow for safe movement with no tripping hazards.

Floor: A floor cluttered with items makes it challenging to move around freely, which can raise the risk of falling. Clear the floor as much as possible and store items that block the way. By keeping the house organized, potential hazards can be prevented. For instance, hanging the umbrella on a hook and storing shoes in a designated cupboard can prevent items from obstructing your way and posing a potential hazard.

Carpets: Carpets may increase the risk of falling, particularly if they are not straight, have wrinkles, have frayed edges, or are rolled up. If you still choose to keep them, ensure they are securely fastened to the floor and do not pose a risk of falling.

Cordless phone and electrical appliances: Replace the phone with a cordless phone and remove appliances that have cords that get tangled on the floor to keep the floor free, without wires that could be an obstacle and pose a danger of falling. Electrical cords for a ventilator or heater can create hazardous obstacles. If possible, avoid using extension cords and instead arrange cords behind the furniture.

Electricity and lighting: Consider hiring a certified electrician to install outlets within easy reach, and particularly lighting sockets that should be within easy and convenient reach. Ensure adequate lighting by installing wall or ceiling fixtures and replacing dim lamps with brighter ones.
Furniture: Broken or unstable tables and chairs are a clear and present danger. Make sure to replace or fix them. Chairs that are either too low or too high, or lack armrests, can pose a risk, since they may not provide enough stability when sitting or standing up.

Smoke detector: It is recommended to install a smoke detector in every room with large electrical appliances. Therefore, if your living room has a television, a computer, or another large electrical appliance, it is advisable to install a smoke detector there as well. A smoke detector should be installed on the ceiling.

Keeping the floor clear and maintaining order can prevent falls in any room of the house, including the bedroom. It is recommended to arrange the room in a way that allows for easy and comfortable movement without encountering furniture corners, objects, carpets, or electrical cords (refer to the living room safety guidelines).
Effective

organization and order: Organizing the bedroom can be the key to the room’s accessibility. Keep the TV remote control, a night lamp, and other necessary items on a nightstand or dresser near the bed to ensure that items you may need during the night are within reach. If you do not have a nightstand, you can buy a mobile stand or install a shelf. Like in the kitchen, it is recommended to organize the wardrobe in a way that frequently used clothes are easily reachable without requiring too much effort to take them or a need to bend down too low.

Height of the bed: It is important to check the height of the bed, so it is not too high or too low. A bed is considered too high if your feet cannot reach the floor when you sit on the edge of it.
You do not have to buy a new bed; you can install an elevation to a low bed. It is recommended to consult an occupational therapist on how to elevate the bed safely, to allow independent and safe functioning. If the bed is too high, you may consider switching the base to a lower one.

Telephone by the bed: It is recommended to always keep a cordless phone within reach of your bed, including during nighttime, lunchtime, or nap time, so that you can easily use it in case of need.
Night lighting: To ensure safe movement during the night, it's advisable to have a night lamp in your bedroom to provide illumination. Additionally, it's recommended to have some form of lighting in the hallway, especially on the way to the bathroom or toilet.

Smoke detector: It is recommended to install a smoke detector in every room with large electrical appliances. Therefore, if your bedroom has a television, a computer, or another large electrical appliance, it is advisable to install a smoke detector there as well. A smoke detector should be installed on the ceiling.

Regardless of whether you have a shower or a bathtub, the bathroom is a space that is prone to humidity, which can result in slippery surfaces. The primary step to ensuring safety in the bathroom is to use anti-slip surfaces, especially in the shower or bathtub. This can be achieved by using anti-slip stickers or a rubber mat that can be attached to the floor using vacuum suction.
Most bathrooms have a bathmat, and it is advisable to attach it to the floor or replace it with a special mat that has an anti-slip surface to ensure safety.

Keeping the bathroom tidy and ensuring the floor is free of obstructions is just as important as in other areas of the house. Clear away any unused items and store necessary items in a secure and stable cabinet.

Handrails and grab bars: It is essential to install a handrail or grab bars in the bathtub or shower and make sure they are attached to the wall and at an appropriate height. To ensure safety, it is advisable to seek advice from a professional who is an expert in the field regarding the appropriate height and angle of a handrail, as an incorrect height or angle can be hazardous.
Put a secure and stable chair with a backrest and handles in the shower or bathroom area.

A tub with a threshold that is too high: You can add a tub-transfer bench. It is important to seek advice from a professional who is an expert in the field regarding the safest way to get in and out of the tub while using an aid device, such as a tub-transfer bench and grab bars.

In the toilet: Having a safety rail attached to the toilet seat or a wall-mounted handrail next to it is crucial for safely getting up.

Toilet’s height: If there is a medical need, for example, after hip joint surgery, a raised toilet seat can be installed with the guidance of a professional. It's crucial to customize the height to fit your needs. Using a raised toilet seat can pose a risk for other individuals in the household.

Safety in the kitchen: Engaging in daily tasks like cooking promotes independence, which is important for people of all ages, especially older individuals. However, safety hazards in the kitchen should be identified and handled as soon as possible.

A cabinet that is too high or too low: Ensure that the items you require are easily accessible and within reach, eliminating the need to climb on a chair or use a ladder. Consider transferring frequently used items to a nearby shelf or work surface for easy accessibility and ensure that you do not need to bend too low to reach items stored in a lower cabinet.

Orientation: Think with your family and friends about solutions that will facilitate movement in the kitchen and ensure easy access to all necessary items. For example, install wall hooks to conveniently store frequently used pots and pans.

Lack of space in the kitchen: If you find that your kitchen feels overcrowded and it is difficult to move around, locate items, etc., it is advisable to reorganize it for easier navigation and accessibility. Remove unnecessary chairs that obstruct walkways or remove any wrinkled mats that pose a tripping hazard. It is advisable to attach the dining table to a wall to make room.

Overcrowded kitchen counter: Stand in front of the kitchen counter and assess the items placed on it. Determine which ones are not necessary for daily use. For example, a kettle and toaster. Now is the time to declutter the surface and create space for essential items by removing unnecessary ones.

A step ladder instead of a step stool: Instead of using a chair or a stool to reach high items, it is recommended to relocate the necessary items to a lower and more accessible location. It is advisable to move items you require to a lower location. However, when you have no choice and you must reach items that are located high, it is recommended to replace chairs and stools with a safer option, such as a step ladder.
A safer way is to use a grabber arm (a helping hand tool). This device allows you to grab tall items or helps lift items from the floor, without the need to bend down. However, this solution is more suitable for small items rather than large or heavy ones.

Floor safety: To prevent falling and tripping in the kitchen, it is advisable to secure items such as planters and carpets. It is recommended to wear high-quality shoes with closed heels and good support, avoiding clogs. Very important: avoid walking on a wet floor as it significantly increases the risk of slipping!

Lighting: If the kitchen has inadequate lighting, it is recommended to upgrade the bulbs to a higher wattage, incorporate under-cabinet lighting, add more ceiling lighting, and make any necessary adjustments to illuminate the kitchen and work surfaces.

Smoke detector: It is recommended to install a smoke detector in the kitchen. Smoke detectors are installed on the kitchen ceiling, and the batteries should be inspected regularly.

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:

  1. Prepare a list of important telephone numbers and put it by the phone for emergency
  2. Provide a spare key to trusted neighbors for house access
  3. When at home, do not leave the key in the lock. Always lock the door and remove the key
  4. Obtain a distress button or a watch connected to an emergency call center for emergency situations
  5. Make sure there is emergency lighting installed in the house

For further reading on preparing for emergency situations (an earthquake, war, or fire)

More information on the subject