Maintaining Your Independence By Keeping Your Home Safe

By Author: Michael Vaughan is a social activist who is workin
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Most of us take for granted the safety and security of our homes. We don't really expect home to be the site of a potentially life-threatening accident. We sometimes believe that home is where nothing bad is supposed to happen, that it is a haven, a place where we are supposed to be absolutely secure. That's why it often comes as a surprise to many to learn that accidents at home rank among the leading causes of death and injury in the United States.

It's frightening to think that the switch from independence to dependence may arise from a sudden tumble down the stairs, a slip on a rug, or a misstep climbing in or out of the bathtub.

We all cherish our independence, and prevention is the key to staying safe and independent at home for as long as possible. Understanding how accidents happen to most people is the first step to making sure they don't happen to you.

Start off by asking yourself a few basic questions about your home:
Are there fresh batteries in the smoke alarm?
Are throw rugs stabilized with rug tape?
Are there grab bars in the ...
... bathtubs?
Is there a shower chair in the shower?
Are medications properly organized and labeled?
Are there handrails on both sides of the staircase?
Is a telephone within easy reach of your bed?

These questions may seem elementary, but many of us would respond no to some or all of them. These precautions, though basic in nature, can save lives and decrease the chance of injury. Make sure you are prepared—injuries can happen at any time.

If you are interested in learning more about home safety, TheCaringSpace.com is a great resource with many tips, interactive safe home tours, and a library where you can watch and consult several in-home health care agencies. Don't forget to change those burned-out light bulbs and put those non-skid decals on the floor of your tub! You can also find suggestions for securing your home with the assistance of in home health care agencies.

For more details, visit www.TheCaringSpace.com.