The Science of Aging Well: How Your Beliefs Affect Your Health
Whether you’re moving somewhere new and you’re worried about accessibility issues, or you know it’s time to take your safety more seriously at home, here are some helpful home safety tips that will make you more comfortable and confident in your living space.
Make Home Upgrades
The best way to keep yourself safe at home is to make sure your home is actually safe. Take a look around your living space to identify any potential hazards or risks. For example, if you live in an older home, you might be exposed to asbestos. It’s a substance that was heavily used in construction materials like insulation until the 1970s and can lead to respiratory issues or even lung cancer.
Consider making safety upgrades that specifically fit your needs, like ensuring each room is easily accessible, your doors and windows are upgraded, easy to lock, and shatter-proof, and that no clutter around the house could make it easier for you to trip and fall.
Develop Safer Strategies
Creating a safe and healthy home environment is only half the battle. It’s up to you to implement safety strategies around the home that will work for you each day. Need some examples? Consider the following:
- Setting reminders to turn off appliances
- Making your kitchen accessible
- Organizing cables and securing rugs
- Installing smart home equipment you can control from your phone
You should also have plans in place that will help you in case of an emergency. Your home should always be equipped with working smoke detectors. But, they can only alert you of a fire, they can’t help you get out of the home. Creating an evacuation strategy is one safety tip that can offer you peace of mind. Practice “escaping” from your home at least twice a year to make sure you can do it as quickly and safely as possible.
If you live with others, make sure everyone is on the same page and knows their specific role for your safety plan. That’s especially important if you have children with disabilities in the home.
One of the most important ways to stay safe at home that not many people think about is broadcasting your disabilities. It’s good to have helpful friends and neighbors. But, be cautious when it comes to who you tell about your situation. Some people may try to take advantage of you.
While it’s a horrible thing to think about, accidents at home do happen. Staying safe requires planning and caution, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Keep these tips in mind to make it easier, and to stay safer within your four walls.
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