The winter edition: Keeping safe in the cooler months....
WITH 90 percent of older Australians wanting to remain in the comfort of their own home for as long as impossible, it's important to make sure the home is a safe, healthy and practical living environment during the cold season.
Victoria Meyers is business manager of Home Instead Redlands and Logan.
"As the months get colder, it's vital that seniors live well at home and protect their health and independence.
"To stay warm, seniors are at a higher risk of incurring injuries, whether it's from trip hazards or burns," she said.
Home Instead, a national provider of in-home care for older Australians, has created the Making Home Safer for Seniors guide to prepare seniors with practical solutions and tips to foolproof their home.
"With this resource, we hope seniors and their loved ones can be better prepared and ensure they are safe and comfortable this winter," said Victoria.
Seniors are at a greater risk during the winter and often feel the cold more due to a number of factors, including thin skin, lower body mass and medication causing poor circulation and reduced heart rate.
About 40 percent of all deaths by fire happen during winter and almost one in three fire fatalities are people over the age of 50. This statistic emphasises the importance of home safety for elderly people, particularly during the colder months.
Some of the guide's suggestions cover fire safety, electrical safety, and bathroom and living room safety.
