written by Sue Susskind

Ask any person where they feel safest and most people will say in their own homes. However, older adults, both men and women, experience the highest rates of accidental death from home injuries among all age groups, with the leading cause being either a fall or fire, according to the Home Safety Council.

Falls are the leading cause of injuries for people over age 65. Each year, an estimated one-third of older adults fall, and the lihood of falling increases substantially as we get older. Falls cause more than two thirds of all nonfatal home injuries. For many older adults, the fear of falling can be almost as devastating as an actual fall. Fear can lead to self-imposed activity restrictions, social isolation and depression, seriously affecting older adults’ quality of life .

Educate and empower individuals and families to take actions that will make their homes safe. Just a few simple steps can dramatically reduce the dangers in most homes and may even make a lifesaving difference .

• Install grab bars in the tub and shower.
• Install bright lights over stairs, steps and on landings.
• Install handrails on both sides of the stairs and steps.
• Use a ladder for climbing, instead of a stool or furniture.
• Make sure smoke alarms are working properly, have fresh batteries.
• Keep space heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn.
• If you do smoke, smoke outside. Use deep ashtrays and put water in them before you empty...