Karen’s Korner,
In keeping with our concerns about safety issues for seniors this week, we are going to cover the prevention of fires and burns. “For older adults, burns and fire-related injuries are the second leading cause of death from accidental injury in the home.” (Am J Prev Med.)
“Accidents while cooking are a leading cause of major burns in older adults.” (Callahan CM)
According to an article from the American Academy of Family Physicians, “Warning signs of unsafe behavior may include a history of minor burns, burned food, and utensils, or failing to turn off the stove. Physicians should ask patients and caregivers about these signs. Timers may be a useful adjunct for patients with mild cognitive impairment. If necessary, caregivers may need to remove the knobs from stoves to prevent patients from cooking while unsupervised.”
Preventative Measures:
- Install smoke alarms on every floor of your home and within every bedroom. – (Check and replace batteries regularly)
- Keep fire extinguishers in kitchen updated and easily available.
- Update the electrical wiring in the home – (Have inspected as needed)
- Use care when cooking. – (Do not wear loose fitting clothing around a flame)
- Never leave gas burners on or unattended.
- Monitor and maintain all appliances. – (Replace when needed)
- Keep away from open flames.
- Use common sense if you are a smoker. – (Smoke outside. Many things in your home can catch fire if they touch something hot like a cigarette or ashes. It is always safer to smoke outside. Never smoke in bed)
- Keep matches, lighters and other ignitable substances in a secured location out of the reach of children.
- If you must use a space heater, place it on a level, hard and nonflammable surface – (such as ceramic tile floor), not on rugs, carpets or near bedding or drapes. Plug power cords directly into outlets – never into an extension cord.
It is always good to establish an escape plan and practice as often as needed. For questions call 318-371-3056.