Home Safety

Did you know that falls account for 85% of injury admissions for people aged 65 years and older? Because of this, occupational therapists are promoting a new saying: Home Safe Home rather than just Home Sweet Home, and more and more people are having their home evaluated by occupational therapists to identify potential hazards.

Everyone Can Fall

In reality, it doesn't take much to fall. Most of us slip or trip just about every day and are able to regain our balance and prevent a fall. But combine that slip with a poor night's sleep, distractions, or mobility problems and you dramatically increase your chances of taking a fall that may lead to serious injury. A safety check of your home is a good preventive measure.

What is a Home Safety Evaluation?

An occupational therapist's home safety evaluation will look at the following:

* Your Environment

This includes the garden, garage, entrance and interior of your home. All parts of your home are evaluated but special attention is given to entrance ways, stairs, bathrooms and kitchens.

* Your Individual and Family Needs

Your occupational therapist will ask you which areas of your home are used most often and he/she will then make suggestions that will ensure your home safety plan is workable.

* Any specific difficulties you may be experiencing due to disease or previous injuries. People using a walker or wheelchair or those with limited vision or hearing, require speical attention to prevent falls in their homes. It's important to tell your occupational therapist about these needs so that specific recommendations can be made in your safety plan.

Some other suggestions an occupational therapist might make include:

* Removing scatter rugs or securing them with double-sided tape, improving lighting, and properly installing grab bars in the bathrooms.

* Using a sturdy step stool to reach objects rather than overreaching. Long-handled mops, reachers and shoe horns are also handy.

* Recommending a walker with a basket to carry items from room to room or wheelchairs designed specially for indoor use.

Everyone's needs are different. Your best option is to have an occupational therapist visit your home. They will be able to see first-hand any environmental hazards or risks you are taking in the way you perform your day-to-day tasks. Occupational therapists want to make sure you can continue to do the things that are important to you, for as long as possible.

If you have further questions about how an occupational therapist (OT) can help make your home safer, visit www.otworks.com and click on Ask An OT. You will receive an answer to your question within 5-7 business days. Other skills for the job of living tips can also be found on this website.

During the coming year, occupational therapists will be assisting the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) to make homes that are safe and barrier-free.

For more information on home design for each access, visit their web site at www.cmhc_schl.gc.ca or call 1-800-668-2642.

Safety and Security for Seniors

One of the most disturbing types of crimes are those directed at senior citizens. Unfortunately, they are all too common and on the rise. From door-to-door sales scams to telephone and mail fraud, seniors are routinely being taken advantage of and are losing thousands of dollars out of their retirement funds every day. Unfortunately, unsuspecting, innocent and too trusting seniors have become an easy target.

Be In Control

When someone comes to your door or calls you on the telephone, you are not obliged to give your name or any personal information. And, you shouldn't! Not unless you first check the identification of the person asking for it. Don't worry about taking up their time. Remember, it's your house and they're taking up "your time". If you are unsure about the validity of anyone, don't hesitate to get the person's name, their ID number, the name of the company they work for and the telephone number. Then call it and verify all of the information. If they are at your house, make sure you have them wait outside. Legitimate representatives will be cooperative and respect your diligence. Scam artists, on the other hand, will get very nervous and will not be cooperative or even stick around.

Be Aware

As a senior, the best way to protect yourself is to be alert and beware of what you may be faced with. Knowing some of the most common scams going around will help ensure you don't become a victim. These include such things as people wanting to replace your roofing, door-to-door canvassers conducting impromptu house or furnace inspections or asking you to sign up to have your phone or utility servcies transferred, or people asking you to forward money to claim a large cash prize.

Be Smart

1. Do not give out personal information, such as your name, telephone number, social insurance number, bank account details, credit cards, information on your mortgage or investments.

2. Do not tell anyone you live alone.

3. Become familiar with the time your mail delivery comes and collect your mail as soon as you can. Leaving mail in the mailbox gives scam artists an easy way of finding out your name and address.

4. Do not put your name on the outside of your house, as it is an easy way for people to find out basic information to use in a scam.

5. If you receive a telephone call stating that you have won something, DO NOT give out any information.

6. Do not tell anyone your schedule.

7. One of the most important things to remember is, don't be afraid to call the police