June is National Safety Month
Home safety is an important topic all year round, but National Safety Month gives us a reminder to stop and assess our surroundings and make adjustments to keep everyone safe at home, especially the elderly and people with disabilities.
The first step should be to make a home emergency plan. Develop a plan of action to make sure everyone can exit the home in case of fire or other emergency. Make sure everyone is aware of the exit plan and knows if they have to go help another person.
A ramp at one or more entrances to the home can help someone with limited mobility and their caregiver to get out quickly and safely.
Smart speakers, such as Amazon Echo or Google Assistant and wearable technology can be used to contact authorities verbally even if someone cannot reach the phone.
Next, look around the home – inside and outside – to identify things that may cause falls or injuries.
Falling is the third leading cause of unintentional-injury-related death over all age groups, but it’s the #1 cause of death for those 65 and older.
While falls can happen anywhere, they most often occur at home. What can you do to make your home or the home of someone you love safer?
- Remove clutter, small furniture, pet gear, electrical cords, throw rugs and anything else that might cause someone to trip
- Arrange or remove furniture so there is plenty of room for walking
- Secure carpets to the floor
- Wipe up spills immediately
- Make sure outdoor areas are well lit and walkways are smooth and free from ice in winter
- Use non-slip adhesive strips on stairs
- Use non-skid mats or appliques in the bath and shower
- Install grab bars in the tub, shower and near the toilet
- Install railings on both sides of stairs
- Ramps can help people with mobility issues get into and out of their homes safely and easily
- Ramps also provide a safe emergency exit in the event of fire
- Provide adequate lighting in every room and stairway
- Place nightlights in the kitchen, bath and hallways
- Make often-used items more accessible, like food, clothing, etc., so an older person won’t be tempted to use a stool or ladder to get to them
- If necessary, provide personal walking devices, such as a cane or walker, to aid in stability
- Consider smart speakers or smart home technology for security and communications
Be safe out there!
Amramp accessibility experts offer quick installation and products that are designed to promote aging in place while meeting ADA standards, bringing new meaning to staying “safely at home”.
Amramp installs residential and commercial accessibility ramps throughout the US and parts of Canada at businesses, residences, schools and institutions. Amramp is the leading company in the United States specializing in modular steel wheelchair ramps, offering sturdy, customizable ramps for disability access that enable the aging and disabled population to fully access the community with independence and mobility.
Residential Ramps can be installed temporarily for short or long term needs without damaging the housing structure as they are not a permanent modification to the home. Amramp wheelchair ramps comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and are available for sale or rental with no minimum time frame and no ramp size restrictions.
Amramp provides a full line of accessibility solutions, including wheelchair ramps, stair lifts, vertical platform lifts, grab bars and safety railings and more to keep people safe at home.
For more information about Amramp, or to schedule a free evaluation, please call 888-715-7598 or visit our website at www.amramp.com.
