For Seniors

Many senior citizens are choosing to live alone and care for themselves. Most seniors are quite capable of taking care of themselves; however, it will be helpful for you to keep some safety tips in mind.

Call for Assistance

  • Dial 9-1-1
  • Ask for the service you want: FIRE, POLICE, AMBULANCE
  • Give your address
  • Give your name
  • Give a brief description of what’s wrong
  • Stay calm, don’t panic!
  • DO NOT HANG UP!

 

Keep a List Handy

It is very helpful to have medical information at easy access to emergency responders. This enables us to provide you with a higher standard of medical care. A good place to post this information is on the refrigerator. Include your name, address, telephone number, date of birth, health care plan, Doctor’s name and phone number, any allergies, any medications you are taking, major illnesses, an emergency contact, and your medical alert number if you have one.

 Know the Signs of a Heart Attack

Call for an ambulance as soon as you notice signs of a heart attack. These signs may include the following:

  • Chest discomfort
  • Sweating
  • Lightheadedness or fainting
  • Shortness of Breath
  • Nausea
  • Squeezing or pain radiating throughout the body

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms Dial 9-1-1. DO NOT WAIT!

Know the Signs of Stroke

Stroke is a serious brain illness that results from blockage or rupture of a blood vessel. Signs of a stroke may include the following:

  • Sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arms, or leg on one side of the body
  • Loss of speech or slurred and incoherent speech
  • Unexplained dizziness, unsteadiness, or sudden falls
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Loss of vision or dimness of vision, especially in one eye
  • An unusual severe or sudden intense headache

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms Dial 9-1-1. DO NOT WAIT!

In Case of a Fire

If you awake in bed with smoke in the room:

  • Roll out of bed.
  • Stay low and crawl to the door. Smoke will fill a room from the top down.
  • Test the door with the back of your hand to check for heat.
  • If the door is hot, go to another exit.
  • If the door is cool, open it slowly. Go to your meeting place outside of the home.

Use your neighbor’s phone and Dial 9-1-1. DO NOT GO BACK INTO THE HOUSE!

Check Your Detectors

  • Install smoke detectors on each floor of your home.
  • Make sure a detector is placed near each bedroom.
  • Install smoke detectors on the ceiling or 12 inches below where the ceiling meets the wall.
  • Install detectors away from air vents and bathrooms.
  • Vacuum the grill work of your smoke detector.
  • Test your detector each month.

For help installing or checking your detectors, CALL 360-665-4451.


Prevent Falls at Home

Falls are the leading cause of injury in people over the age of 65. Each year approximately 10,000 adults die from fall-related injuries. Falls are also the leading reason for admission of seniors into nursing homes. Falls result in approximately 200,000 hip fractures in older adults each year. Falls are not a normal part of the aging process and many can be prevented. The following factors contribute to falls:

  • Slippery or loose fitting footwear
  • Poor lighting in the home
  • Cluttered hallways
  • Loose rugs or carpeting
  • Slippery bathroom surfaces
  • Difficult stairways
  • Uncorrected vision problems
  • Overuse of alcohol
  • Dizziness caused by medical problems or medication
  • Poor nutrition and dehydration
  • Brittle bones caused by osteoporosis

The following guidelines will help reduce your risk of  fall injuries:

  • Wear well fitting shoes with low heels and non-skid soles
  • Non-glare lighting in the home, especially around stairs
  • Strong banisters along stairways and non-skid surfaces on stairs
  • Remove clutter from the house
  • Keep electrical cords out of walkways
  • Sturdy handrails by the toilet, in and next to the bathtub or shower
  • Consider a raised toilet seat
  • Install non-skid surface or tread inside the tub or shower
  • Secure or tack down rugs and carpet edges
  • Proper nutrition and exercise as directed by your physician
  • Careful use of prescription and non-prescription medicine
  • Avoid sedatives and use of alcohol