Ways you can keep safe in your homes:

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Flooring 

Rugs, and carpets together are one of the highest number of in-house accidents for seniors. Falls due to issues with the flooring in peoples homes, commonly occur when there is a change in surface, such as moving from carpet to tiles. The lighting can play a major role making floor spaces most trip-able especially if the area is dark.

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Make sure your flooring safe by following these safety precautions:

• lighting is bright enough to see where you are walking

• carpeting is wall-to-wall and low pile

• carpet edges are tucked down

• hard floor surfaces are slip-resistant, try to not use cleaning products that leave a slippery surface

• floor wax, if used, is a non-skid wax

• spills are cleaned up straight away

• trip hazards are removed such as furniture and electrical cords

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Doors

There is an misjudgment just how injury prone doors can be. The most common door accidents include walking into a glass door, catching a finger or hand inside door hinges, tripping while closing or opening, or cutting themselves on broken glass panels.

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Make sure you follow these safety precautions for doors safety:​

• doors are properly installed

• doors swing out of traffic areas and away from other open doors

• fingers and hands are kept clear of hinges

• flexible door stops are attached to the wall

• spring doors don’t swing closed too quickly

• there’s a safe area to place items down when opening doors

• you are using the handle to push open doors rather than a glass panel.

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Stairs and Steps

Steps and stairs causes a huge number of injuries every year and can cause severe injuries.
Many of these injuries can cause serious health decline and/or even death.

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Make sure you follow these safety precautions for Stairs and Steps safety:

• lighting is lit up and that all steps can be seen no matter the time of day

• there is a light switch at both the bottom and top of the stairs

• step size and height are consistent

• stairs are free of clutter and debris

• stair treads are dry, not wet or icy

• carpeting is securely attached to all steps

• carpeting is not torn, worn and slippery

• edges of treads are clearly visible

• railings are securely attached to the wall and capable of holding your weight.

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Bathtub and Showers

Bathtub and shower injuries occur most often when there is wet surface one will step on, e.g wet tub or shower surface.
Falls caused from showers and bathtub incidents also occur when hands slip whilst getting in or out of the bath.

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Make sure you follow these safety precautions for Bathtubs and Showers safety:

• bathroom lighting is lit up and that puddles of water are easily visible

• water temperature controls are installed and working

• non-slip mats are secure

• at least one grab bar is in easy reach and sturdy

• the temperature before stepping into the bath or shower.

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Windows

Elderly suffer window injuries when they have found the windows to be difficult when opening or risky to clean.

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Make sure you follow these safety precautions for Windows safety:

• windows open easily (if not you could consider an electric window-opening device)

• screens are secure but removable

• projecting windows open away from walkways and recreation areas

• open windows are shielded with shrubs (to prevent bumping into).

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Verandahs

Verandah falls can often be the most damaging due to their hard surface.

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Make sure you follow these safety precautions for Verandah safety:

• verandah steps are level, stable and in good condition

• hand rails are in good condition (if you don’t have hand rails, consider installing some)

• abrasive strips are installed to each step

• lighting is lit up and that the steps and verandah is clearly illuminated

• steps are modified to support a walker if walking requires one.

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