Shields and Boris Blog on Elder Care, Health Care, and Caring in General

Safety issues for elders

    Attorney Jim Shields concentrates on legal issues affecting the elderly.  According to the Consumer Public Safety Commission, falls are one of the leading causes of injuries and deaths among the elderly, adults aged 65 and older.  The CPSC has put together a Neighborhood Safety Network on their website that includes lots of resources and a checklist to follow to help older adults avoid falling in their homes.  These suggestions include always using handrails on stairs, keeping the house well lit night and day, removing things that could cause falls such as cords, loose rugs, and using grab bars in the bathroom.  For more information, go to http://www.cpsc.gov/nsn/elderly.

     One of the things that could contribute to falls is poor lighting.  According to studies conducted by the American Association of Retired People (AARP), elderly people need more lighting as they get older to see properly.  The AARP recommends letting as much natural light into the home as possible because it's free.  They also suggest adding more incandescent lighting fixtures around the home and increasing the wattage of the light bulbs.  Be sure that all walkways, stairs, and entrances have plenty of light.  Motion sensor lights are helpful because they go on when someone gets close to the house, when it gets dark, or when someone makes a sound.  This is good for preventing falls as well as discouraging thieves.