Independence Day Warning! What To Do About Senior Falls Before It's Too Late, Says www.MedicalAlertZone.com, Offering Top 10 Safety Tips On The 4th Of July

Home safety website www.MedicalAlertZone.com shares fall prevention tips and facts on senior falls; Injuries in the home posing a threat to older adults maintaining their independence and how medical alert systems are providing effective solutions.

New York, NY (PRWEB) July 4, 2008 -- For many people, the arrival of the 4th of July is a fun event. There will be barbecues, crowded parades, and spectacular fireworks that go boom in the sky. But for home alone seniors living without emergency alert systems, the risk of losing their independence and having to move into a nursing home increases every day.

"The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that falls are the leading cause of injury death for Americans 65 years and older," explains Yves Marie Danie Baptiste, an advocate for the safety of older adults. "Oftentimes, those injured remain on the floor for many hours and sometimes days before somebody finds them and calls for help. By then, it is usually too late to save their lives or prevent the onset of permanent disability."

According to Baptiste, whose involvement with senior care organizations spreads awareness of senior falls and educating the public on safety measures, the types of injuries that occur does not have to lead to one losing their ability to care for themselves and remain living in their homes if emergency systems are locked into place.

"This would significantly decrease the likelihood of premature deaths," says Baptiste. "In fact, it would bring great peace of mind and comfort to the families knowing that their loved ones are much safer and not alone in the event of an accident."

Below are some steps that one can take that would help to significantly prevent falls in the home:

1. Safeguard the stairs with a firmly anchored handrail or banister. Be sure to keep these areas, as well as the landings, floors and walkways clutter-free.

2. Tuck away both telephone and electrical cords.

3. Keep night lights on in the hallways and bathrooms. Hallways, porches, and stairwells -- be certain to keep it well lit with light fixtures using maximum safe wattage (this is usually recorded on the interior of the light fixture).

4. Remove toys and games from steps and landings. If young children are in the home install safety gates at stair top and bottom.

5. Place window guards on upper-floor windows as a means of preventing young children from falling out. Choosing guards with release devices in case of emergency will further protect you.

6. In the bathroom be sure to add grab bars to the bathtub or shower. Keep in mind that towel racks or wall-mounted soap dishes should never be used as grab bars as they can loosen and cause a fall. Additionally, using nonslip mats or installing adhesive safety strips or decals in bathtub or shower is another key preventative measure to take. All bath mats must have nonskid backing.

7. Keep floors clean. Make sure to remove and mop up any grease or water spills immediately.

8. Purchase rug liners or nonskid backing for all throw rugs.

9. All step stools should be secure and have handrails.

10. When it comes to taking medications -- be careful in following dosing directions as prescribed by the doctor. Taking multiple medications or ingesting the incorrect use of drugs may lead to dizziness, weakness, and other complications that can result in a serious fall.

For more information on how to better protect yourself or your senior parents in the home, call the 24 hour message center at 347-823-2601 or visit www.MedicalAlertZone.com

Contact:
Yves Marie Danie Baptiste
347-278-5827 (Cell)
347-612-4338 voice-mail
Staff (AT) MedicalAlertZone.com
www.MedicalAlertZone.com

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