When silent movie comedian and beloved sad-sack, Buster Keaton fell head over heels down a long flight of stairs, it was funny, even hilarious. He would finally land, uninjured, with the same pathetic, unchanged expression on his face. Unfortunately, movies don’t represent real life when older people slip, trip or fall, and it is well documented that falls are the leading cause of injuries, hospitalizations and deaths among the elderly. The majority of these accidents happen at home.
Elderly people live with their adult children, spouses, alone, in elder-care facilities and public housing. No matter where seniors live, extra care must be taken to prevent injuries from falling.
The Alexandria Red Cross recommends the following actions to help senior residents eliminate home hazards in the kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, living room, family room, basement, stairs, hallways and outdoors.
In the kitchen: Use a sturdy stepstool or ladder; immediately wipe up spills; store everyday items within easy reach.
In the bedroom: Install a night light; keep a flashlight by the bed; slippers should be close-fitting and have rubber treads.
In the bathroom: Use non-slip mats in tubs and showers and non-skid rugs on floors; install hand rails next to the toilet and in the tub or shower; install a night light.
In the living room/family room: Use adhesive carpet tape or rubber matting under rugs and throw rugs; keep electrical cords away from traffic paths; keep the clutter to a minimum.
In the basement, hallways and on stairs: Have adequate lighting with easily accessible on/off switches; keep throw rugs away from stairs and landings; don't use hallways or stairs for storage; make sure hand rails are sturdy and within easy reach; use bright-colored tape or paint to mark the edges of stairs.
In the yard: Install motion detector lights on stairs and walkways; keep stairs and walkways free of snow, wet leaves and all obstructions.
More information about Alexandria Red Cross community services for the elderly is available at www.alexandriaredcross.org or call 703-549-8300.