Medical Alert: Automatic, daily telephone check-in service. Safety Tips for Living Alone.

SAFETY TIPS FOR LIVING ALONE

Health Authorities

1. Talk to your doctor about falls prevention. Have regular vision and hearing tests.
2. Take prescription and over-the-counter medications correctly. Keep a medication record and review it regularly with your doctor. Tell your doctor if your medication makes you dizzy or lightheaded.
3. Check with your local health department or emergency medical services department to see if they offer free home safety inspections.

Lighting

4. Install proper lighting throughout your home.
5. Pay special attention to stairs (with a light switch at both ends) and bathrooms.
6. Use night-lights in the hallways, particularly between the bedroom and bathroom.
7. Keep stairways, halls and walkways well lighted and install nightlights.

Loose rugs and objects

8. Keep lamp and phone cords out of open areas on the floor.
9. Keep large rugs flat by tacking down edges with double-sided tape.
10. Eliminate small throw rugs that may slip.
11. Don’t let newspapers or magazines collect on the floor or stairs
12. Wear proper footwear. Shoes, boots and slippers should provide good support and have good soles. Avoid loose slippers or stocking feet.

Stairways and steps

13. Be sure to have at least one handrail (preferably two) on all stairways and steps in your home. Ensure handrails are securely attached and in good repair.
14. Check that stairs are in good repair and are slip resistant. If any stairs are broken, have them fixed promptly. Add a strip along the edge of each step in a contrasting color to make it easier to see or use reflective anti-skid treads.
15. Take the same precautions for outdoor steps. In addition, arrange to have leaves, snow and ice removed on a regular basis. Use salt or sand throughout the winter months.

Bathroom

16. Use a rubber mat along the full length in your bathtub, and a non-skid bath mat beside the tub.
17. Install grab bars in all bathrooms, by the toilet and in the bathtub or shower. It's a good idea to have two bars in the tub, one on a side wall and one on the back wall. If you need extra support, consider a bath seat or bench so you can have a shower sitting down.

Assistance walking

18. Use walking aids and other safety devices for extra safety. If you use a cane or a walker, check that it is the right height and that the rubber tips are not worn. Install stainless steel prongs (ice picks) on canes for safe walking in the winter.