Good Medicine

Making Your Home A Safety Zone

Steven Kaye, M.D.

Proper Lighting
It is very important to have good lighting around your home.
   Always turn on lights before going into a room, even if you are only going in for a moment. Move slowly when lighting is dim. Give your eyes time to adjust before proceeding between well-lit and dark areas. Replace burned out bulbs immediately; keep cords and fixtures in good working order. Light-sensored nightlights are inexpensive and invaluable in improving visibility at night, particularly in stairwells, hallways, bathrooms, and bedrooms. Nightlights or remote-control switches by the bedside are a good precaution. Keep a flashlight next to your bed in case of a power failure.
   Make sure indoor and outdoor walkways are properly illuminated, especially at night. Don't overlook stairways, cellar areas, garages, storage rooms, or outdoor sheds. Have switches installed at both top and bottom of stairways.
   A pull chain on a light is much easier to operate than other types of turn or push light switches.

Secure Walkways
Carpeting, particularly on stairs, provides additional cushioning to reduce the risk of injury if you should fall. In doorways, raised thresholds should be eliminated or covered with carpeting.
   Carpeting should be securely fastened down with double-sided tape or carpet tacks. Repair holes in carpeting, get rid of frayed rugs, and avoid throw rugs as they can bunch up or slide. Skid-resistant rugs are available. If your rug has a non-skid backing, vacuum it often because dirt keeps the non-skid finish from gripping the floor. You can also tape rubber jar rings to the back of rugs to prevent them from sliding.
   Place bright, contrasting colored tape on the top and bottom steps of stairways. This serves as a constant reminder to be careful. Change the colors periodically so you won't become oblivious to the tape. Be sure tape does not curl up and become a hazard itself. Keep walkways clear of miscellaneous or misplaced objects, especially electrical and telephone cords. Tape cords to the floor or wall; tie up extra cord with a rubber band, or coil it up inside an empty toilet paper tube. Place furniture over the edges of rugs to help hold them in place.
   Replace small breaks in linoleum, broken floorboards, or flooring that is buckling or warping so you won't trip over loose edges. Repair any furniture that is unsteady.

Bathe Safely
Install and use tightly fastened grab bars in the bath tub, and on the wall next to the tub or shower. Securely carpet all surfaces that might get wet or slippery. Install non-slip strips or non-skid mats in the bath tub or shower. There are also non-slip treatments available for bathtubs and floors.
   You can contact Dr. Kaye at www.balance1.com.