Health and Safety - How to Avoid Accidents
Keep Moving
Keeping fit and healthy helps to reduce falls by keeping joints supple. You can exercise while sitting down or holding on to a chair back to make it easier. Check with your G.P. for suitable activities for you. Age UK can help with information on local activities telephone number 01207 280119.
Eyesight
Poor eyesight increases your risk of falling so have a regular eye test. You can loose 40% of your eyesight without realising it. If you are over 70 you should have one every year. If on a low income you can get help with the cost of glasses.
Fire Hazards
Smoking can be a fire hazard, always stub out cigarettes properly and dispose of them carefully. Use a proper ashtray and do not leave cigarettes unattended.
Ensure that you have a working smoke alarm on every level of your home and test it every week.
Feet and Footwear
If you have trouble with your feet and they cause you pain it can affect your mobility and balance. This can lead to falls comfortable well fitting shoes that support your feet and have thin soles and good grip are most beneficial.
Slippers should also be well fitting and not slip off your feet as this can cause trips and falls. Have regular checks with a podiatrist who will help keep your feet healthy to avoid trips and falls.
Medicines
Always take your medication; if you have problems remembering when to take it consult your pharmacist who can help you.
Do not take out of date medication or medication which is not prescribed for you. Regular check ups with your doctor will ensure that medication is still needed
17 Ways to Keep Safe
- Keep stairs and steps well lit and if going to the bathroom at night put on a light if you have a fault with a landing light report it and it will be repaired as an emergency.
- Keep stairs free from clutter.
- Don’t have trailing cables around the floor.
- Arrange furniture so you have room to walk around.
- Use non-slip mat in the bath or shower and a well positioned handrail to help you out.
- Don’t use a step ladder if you are on your own.
- Fit a letter box guard to catch.
- Keep most used items at a reasonable height so as to avoid stretching or bending down.
- Remove mats and rugs as loose flooring causes falls.
- Don’t rush to answer the phone or door try buying a cordless phone so you can carry it with you.
- Wipe up spills on the floor immediately.
- Take time getting up from chairs and out of bed get your balance first.
- Get rid of worn carpets.
- Keep pet bowls to one side away from where you could trip over them.
- If you have a walking aid or stick use them and store safely.
- Please test smoke alarms weekly.
- Please don’t carry hot water or hot food if you are feeling unwell.
