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.