According to the U.
S Consumer Products Safety Commission, more than 600,000 older Americans are treated each year in hospital emergency rooms for injuries at home.
Many of these injuries result from hazards that are easy to overlook, but easy to fix.
By taking simple corrective action many of these injuries can be prevented.
We all wish to remain independent at home.
However, aging and chronic illness can make staying at home difficult, if not impossible.
Home modifications may become necessary for a person to remain safe and independent within their own home.
Home modifications can range from something as simple as installing grab bars in the bathroom to construction that widens doorways and installation of a wheel chair ramp.
Before making any home modifications you should assess the home room by room carefully considering any present or future needs of the individual.
Would the person benefit from a handheld shower head, grab bars or wheel chair ramps? In all areas of the home check for clear pathways, runners and throw rugs, electrical and phone cords, worn and ripped carpeting, worn or broken stairs, smoke detectors, proper lighting, burned out light bulbs, space heaters and stoves.
Any visible sign of a safety risk should be repaired immediately.
One last thought, could the individual benefit from a personal emergency response system? A two-way emergency response system provide the ability to obtain help in case of injury, fire or police emergencies.
The individual needs only to wear a waterproof neck or wrist pendent .