Just because you have a medical alert doesn’t mean you want to use it.
The best way to stay healthy and be able to live in your own home is to avoid getting hurt. Your home is full of danger areas, especially as you age.
The Bathroom
The bathroom is one of the most dangerous rooms in the house. Combine wet floors and slippery feet, and you’ve got a recipe for trouble.
In 2008, according to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control, almost 250,000 adults were injured in the bathroom. Two-thirds of these injuries take place in the tub or shower, and the elderly are injured at disproportionate rates.
Click to find out how to make your bathroom safer.
The Kitchen
The kitchen isn’t exactly empty of possible problems, either.
The Kitchen
Click for ideas on how to make your kitchen safer.
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Photo credits: Bathroom by ashleytheartist2002 via Flickr
In addition to a medical alert system installed in the house, my mom always has in her pocket her Just5 cell phone, which she can also use to call for an immediate help in times of emergency. The phone has an SOS button that can dial five pre-programmed number when pressed. I see this as a very practical feature so I recommended this phone to her to further ensure her safety.
Interesting product. I’ll add it to my list of items to review. Thanks for sharing.
Joe,
I’m reading about elder safety, and after bathrooms you mention kitchens. I’m not seeing that part, the ‘how to make kitchens safer’. Any suggestions?
BTW, I appreciate this site very much, as my mom is getting older. Fortunately, we can look at these options together now, and she’s open to it.
The shower chairs look like a great idea; I wonder how many MDs order them for patients and obtain Medicare coverage to defray costs? Do you have any information about that?
Thanks for the comment! There’s no link to the kitchens area because I got distracted and haven’t written it yet. I hope to carve out some time to do that soon.
I’m not clear on Medicare reimbursements for items like shower chairs. Seems unlikely, but it sure would be nice.
Thanks for sharing your feedback on the site. I’m glad it’s helpful.