This article, courtesy of Working Solutions Service is not intended to be alarmist - taking evening news tactics for calling attention to security (crime concerns) for seniors. Rather, we hope to heighten general awareness about daily safety concerns facing many elders, whether they live alone or receive daily care.

Senior Safety Concerns

For older people, with or without physical limitations, the world around them can seem, and often is, scary and unsafe. If you have an older person in your life, take some time to evaluate their physical surroundings to determine how you might help make their daily activities less hazardous. Remember, this can be anyone: a parent, grandparent, next-door neighbor, church member, etc. - anyone who affects you and your ability to work.

Imagine yourself as someone who can't hear or see as well as normal, or who is unable to get around easily without help. To make the scenario more realistic, think about the specific challenges facing the senior with whom you're concerned, but remember, often seniors don't want to let on that their senses or abilities aren't what they used to be.

Now ask yourself the following questions:

General Household

• Is the household furniture arranged for easy passage?
• Is lighting adequate? Is there a flashlight handy for power outages?
• Are floors easy to walk on? Are there thick rugs or carpet that are hard to negotiate (especially if an assistive walking device is required)? Are there nonskid slippers for the older person to wear around the house?
• Is the household set up so that taking the stairs up & down is minimalized? If stairs are part of the daily routine, are they free & clear of all debris? Are stair steps worn? Carpet or treads securely fastened? Rail tight and in-place?

Appliances

• Are electrical cords placed so no one will trip on them?
• Is the water heater set at a level that is not a danger for scalding?
• Is the telephone set-up safe and convenient? Is there a portable phone that can be carried around? Are important numbers programmed? Is volume set at the highest level or an amplifier added? Are there extra large numbers on the telephone face?
• Does the phone have an answering machine attached? If yes, has it been set? (A working answering machine may give seniors additional piece of mind, and they won't feel the need to rush to answer phone calls).
• Are kitchen appliances arranged so they are easily accessible? Are kitchen items clearly marked? Are there nonbreakable glasses and dishes for daily use? Are there utensils with rubberized, easy grip handles?

Bathroom

• Since most household accidents occur in this room, is there an emergency call button in the bathroom? How about a dedicated phone? (Having a portable emergency call button or cordless phone is nice, but only works if the senior remembers to take it with them every single time.)
• Would a chair or stool in the shower make bathing or showering easier? Is there a hand-held shower attachment so that hairwashing can easily be accomplished from a sitting position?
• Has the shower been outfitted with metal grab bars? Are there adhesive strips in the shower to prevent slipping?
• Would a higher seat on the toilet or a hand rail next to it assist the elder?

Outside

• What about security? Is a security system needed? Are there dead bolts on outside doors?
• Should doorknobs be replaced with lever-type handles? Are locks easy to use?
• Are household entrances well lit? (A motion detector light can be a big help for safety and security.) Are doors and windows visible from the street or driveway/not obstructed by greenery?

Working Solutions has a valuable packet of information on senior safety issues which you can receive by calling them at 800-358-8515 or downloading the information from their website .

The packet includes information about the safe use of medicines, when to consider taking the car keys away from seniors, tips on making a disabled person's environment safer and general safety tips for seniors.

For assistance on any adult/elder or special needs child care issue, Working Solutions' professional counselors are just a phone call or mouse click away. This free, confidential, service is available to you and your family 24 hours a day, free of charge to you and your family through the Trust.