Old people tend to spend more time at home after they retire. Sadly many have accidents at home due to mobility problems. According to statistics, one in every five elderly people aged 65 or above has suffered a fall in the past year. These accidents have a direct impact on their health and some have to be admitted to a hospital for treatment. If you want to know how to take care of old family members and what equipment to buy at home to ensure their safety, please refer to this guide.

Q1: What are the main causes of accidents among the elderly?

1. Physical condition: As the we age, our physical functions such as muscles, eyesight and hearing deteriorate, and we become less responsive to our surroundings. The lack of proper exercise also leads to nutritional deficiencies, making all of us more vulnerable to home safety hazards.

2. Illness: Many older people are affected by chronic illnesses such as rheumatism and stroke. Some need to take medication regularly and may become disoriented after taking their drugs. Others suffer from foot problems which affect their ability to walk and increases the risk of becoming movement unstable.

3. Environmental conditions: Many old folk have mobility problems. Their homes are cluttered and therefore they are more prone to accidents. Inadequate lighting, insufficient drying of clothes, improper use of electrical appliances, unsuitable home designs and uneven flooring are among the many causes of accidents at home.

Q2: What are the most common home accidents?

A2: According to a survey on home accidents among the elderly, the most common type of home accidents are falls, followed by cuts, bruises and burns.

Q3: Many elderly people reported that they had fallen at home, so what are the five major areas that need more attention?

(1) Dim home lighting: The elderly may not be able to see surroundings clearly due to inadequate lighting at home. This leads to overlooking potential hazards such as doorways, folding chairs, etc. Adequate lighting is important. Install sound-activated lights or automatic sensor lights to increase light sources at night and use fluorescent anti-slip stickers to highlight the location of doors to increase alertness.

(2) Slippery floors: Elderly people often slip and fall due to unstable support or slippery floors when entering or leaving the bath. Caregivers can help by installing suitable handrails and using non-slip mats. Remember to dry floors immediately if these get wet. Install a dehumidifier at home to absorb moisture and always keep floors dry.