Let your doctor, nurse or physical therapist know if you have fallen or are worried about falls so we can refer you to the right services or medical equipment. Our goal is to help you prevent falls at home.
Physical and occupational therapists can perform a detailed falls and home safety assessment to make recommendations for exercises and medical equipment and supplies.
The Jefferson Area Board for Aging can provide resource information. Call 817-5222.
If you live alone, consider a "buddy" who you call and/or who calls or checks on you.
FIRE SAFETY
General
- Plan ahead how you and everyone else would get out of the house in case of fire and practice your plan.
- Store flammable materials and electrical cords away from heat sources.
- Unplug any appliance or equipment that smokes or smells like it is burning.
- Check cords and wires regularly. If frayed, broken or brittle - fix or replace.
- Don't put cords or wires under rugs or tie in knots because they might be damaged.
- Extension cords should be used for temporary use only. Don't overload outlets. Use grounded outlets (the ones with three prongs) or use an adapter that has a wire, which attaches to the screw in your outlet.
Equipment
- Use smoke detectors. They are best placed outside the bedrooms and as least one on each floor of your home. Batteries should be changed every year.
- Space heaters should be at least 36" from objects including walls, furniture, curtains or clothing, to keep those things from catching on fire.
- A carbon monoxide detector is recommended if you have burn fuel such as wood, gas, oil or kerosene or use a space heater. Carbon monoxide can build up in your home, especially in the winter when the windows are closed.
- Keep and know how to use a fire extinguisher, especially in the kitchen.
Smoking
- If you or someone in your home smokes, use big, deep-dish ashtrays. Wet the butts and ashes before putting them in the trash. Never smoke in bed (or chair if sleepy).
- All smoking should be avoided if anyone in your home is on oxygen.
- Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children.
Cooking
- When cooking keep pot handles turned inward to avoid knocking them off the stove.
- If grease catches on fire, put a lid over the flames and turn the burner off. Never throw water on grease fires.
SAFETY FIRST
Safety is everyone's responsibility. When you notice an unsafe situation, tell someone right away so it can be fixed.
If you have a medical emergency call 911 immediately. Stay on the line and answer all the questions the dispatcher asks. Keep a list of emergency numbers near your phone where you or someone else can easily see them.
Use the medicines, equipment or supplies you were prescribed as instructed. Never lend any of these to nor take from someone else. Even if you compare your problems and needs and they sound the same they may have unique differences.