June is Home Safety Month – Granny Nannies Home Care Blog

Watch Out For These Most Common Home Injuries
During June Home Safety Month.

Home- it seems it should be the safest place on earth, the place we should feel most safe and most protected.
Unfortunately, it’s also a major source of injuries for senior citizens. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) most accidents and injuries occur in and around the home. The unfortunate truth is that most accidents could have been prevented if a few precautions had been taken. Protecting yourself from common accidents around the home takes awareness and a few simple precautions.

Falls are the leading cause of home injury. For seniors, falls can be dangerous or even fatal, resulting in lacerations, bone fractures, and head trauma. To limit the risk of falls at home, install grab bars in bathrooms and showers; get rid of trip hazards like throw rugs and electrical cords, and make sure corners and stairways are well lit.

Poisoning is the second leading cause of injuries to seniors, most often accidental due to mixing medications – certain combinations can be deadly. It is good to fill all your prescriptions at one pharmacy so you can review them periodically with the pharmacist to detect drugs that may interact in a harmful way. (See Granny NANNIES blog – March 2017 Brown Bag Checklist)

Cooking with fire is the leading cause of house fires in the United States. According to the NFPA, 40 percent of house fires and 36 percent of fire-related injuries are caused by cooking fires. Most cooking fires start when an oven or stove is left unattended. Many other cooking fires begin when items are left too close to cooking equipment and begin to burn. To minimize your risk for a cooking fire, never leave your oven or stove unattended while it is on, and clear the area around your stove from all items that may catch fire, including curtains and cookbooks.

Whether you are in your own home, senior apartment , assisted living or a nursing home, keeping your independence means maintaining the highest level of functioning. Below is a brief checklist to understand your ability to live independently or to determine what level of assistance you may need to stay independent.

How much difficulty do you currently have standing from a low, soft couch?

Very difficult
Little difficult
Not difficult

How much difficulty do you currently have tying shoes?

Very difficult
Little difficult
Not difficult

How much difficulty do you have using common utensils for preparing meals (can opener, potatoes peeler or sharp knife)?

Very difficult
Little difficult
Not difficult

Do you have an illness or condition that requires a special diet?

Is it difficult to shop, cook or feed yourself?

Do you take 3 or more prescribed medications?

How often does pain interfere with daily life?

Often
Sometimes
Not difficult

How often are you out of breath?

Often
Sometimes
Not difficult

If you or a loved one are in need of assistance with activities of daily living or help in monitoring other health concerns, CNAs and HHAs are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for all ages and levels of care. Granny NANNIES believes in treating clients with the highest level of respect and dignity and maintains the commitment to excellence that it was founded upon in 1990. For quality, trustworthy, reliable and affordable care, Granny NANNIES is there. Call 800-316-2669 for more information about hiring a professional care provider or utilizing other home health care services. https://grannynannies.com