My Health

Home Safety for Older People

Older people are one of the groups most vulnerable to accidents, particularly in and around the home.

 

Slips, trips and falls:

  • Avoid leaving items on the stairs.
  • Ensure the stairs and flooring are well maintained
  • Avoid repetitive carpet patterns that may produce a false perception for those with poor eyesight.
  • Highlighting the outer edge of steps with non-slip white paint will make them more visible.
  • The home should be well lit with two-way light switches on stairs.
  • Have a bedside light which is easy to switch on in the dark.
  • Fit a letterbox cage to avoid stooping to pick up letters.
  • Avoid trailing cables and clutter.
  • Use steps instead of standing on a chair.
  • Use good fitting shoes and slippers.

 

Scalds / burns:

Older people are four to five times more likely to die from burns and scalds than the population as a whole. The main sources of heat include radiators, electric fires and cookers. Make sure you:

  • Use a coiled kettle flex or a cordless kettle.
  • Use spout-filling or jug kettles.
  • Only boil the water you need.
  • Try not to carry hot liquids further than necessary.
  • Ensure that water temperature at the point of delivery is no higher than 46°C.
  • Fit a thermostatic mixing valve.
  • Turn the cold water on first when running a bath.
  • Always use rear hot plates on cookers first.
  • Turn panhandles away from the front of the cooker.
  • Ensure that hot water bottles don't show signs of wear.

 

Poisoning:

  • Have fuel-burning devices checked regularly by an expert as carbon monoxide can kill.
  • Have gas appliances serviced annually by a Gas Safe registered heating engineer.
  • Have chimneys and flues swept once a year.
  • Remember that if a gas flame that normally burns blue turns orange this may mean a build up of carbon monoxide.

 

Home Safety for Older People:

» Age UK

» Care and Repair Cymru

 

Care and Repair

The Care and Repair Agency in Cardiff do a lot of work to help and support older people to identify risks and hazards within their homes as well as providing solutions to alleviate or minimise those risks. Their casework service visits older people in their homes and provides 'Healthy Home' checks to identify potential hazards and risks. Where hazards are identified they are able to support clients to undertake repair, adaptation or maintenance works to eradicate or reduce the effects or the risks of things such as poor lighting; inadequate or unaffordable heating; damp or mould growth; high levels of carbon monoxide; falls; electrical hazards; fire hazards; structural collapse or entry by intruders. They can provide technical expertise and advice to address these issues as well as the resourcefulness to obtain potential funding for necessary works. For more information telephone 029 2047 3337 or email careandrepair@ccha.org.uk.

 

Telecare and Community Alarm Service

Telecare and the Community Alarm Service can play a key role in protecting vulnerable people in Cardiff.

Telecare is a range of sensors that detect hazards and events. The sensors can detect problems with the environment - for example gas escapes or with the vulnerable person themselves - for example falls. If you think you, or someone you know could benefit from a Telecare service, get in touch with the adult services Contact & Assessment Team on 029 2053 6444 or email ascontactteam@cardiff.gov.uk.

People of all ages and circumstances use the Community Alarm Service for the security and peace of mind it provides. While many users are older people the service also looks after those who feel vulnerable because of disability, medical condition or harassment. To find out more information about the Community Alarm Service contact the Cardiff Community Alarm Service on 029 2061 4852 or email communityalarm@cardiff.gov.uk.

 

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Did you know

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