Senior Home Safety - Some General Tips for Moving About

• Consider a medical alert or a buddy system.
• Keep a fire extinguisher and smoke detector on every floor.
• Never smoke when alone or in bed.
• Always get up slowly after sitting or lying down. Take your time, and make sure you have your balance.
• Wear proper fitting shoes with low heels.
• Use a correctly measured walking aid.
• Remove or tack down all scatter rugs.
• Remove electrical or telephone cords from traffic areas.
• Avoid using slippery wax on floors.
• Wipe up spills promptly.
• Avoid standing on ladders or chairs.
• Have sturdy rails for all stairs inside and outside the house, or, if necessary, purchase a stair lift.
• Make sure that staircase steps should have a non-slip surface.
• Use only non-glare 100 watt or greater incandescent bulbs (or the fluorescent equivalents.)
• Make sure that all stair cases have good lighting with switches at top and bottom.