A surprising number of people are injured or killed in their own homes every year. The primary victims are children and older adults. Poor hearing, less accurate vision, poor balance, decreased grip strength, and the effects of medication can all make older adults vulnerable to accidents in and around the home. If you need repairs or additions to make your home safer, check with a local senior center to see if you can get some of the work done for a reduced cost.

Falls are especially dangerous for older adults. Older adults are much more likely to sustain a serious injury, such as a hip fracture. Some good tips to avoid falls:

• use a walker or cane if your balance is unsteady,
• install rails in bathrooms and next to stairs or ramps,
• use ramps instead of steps wherever possible,
• do not use throw rugs,
• do not wax the floors,
• install nonskid treads on stairs,
• install more lights and use higher watt light bulbs,
• use rubber nonskid strips in bathtubs and showers,
• do not overdo your alcohol consumption, and
• be especially careful when you start taking a new prescription medication.

Another major cause of injury in the home is burns or smoke inhalation. Some safety tips include:

• no smoking in bed or when drinking alcohol,
• discard flammable clothing,
• not watching television or talking on the phone while cooking,
• setting your water heater temperature to a safe temperature,
• keeping batteries in your smoke detectors,
• saving people first, not possessions, in case of a fire.

Older adults can sometimes become targets for crime. Join a Neighborhood Watch if possible. Install good locks and security bolts. Make sure you have a telephone by your bed. Keep porch lights and outdoor lights on.

Most accidents in the home can be prevented by following these simple precautions.

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