Health Tip: How to Protect Seniors From Injury

(HealthDay News) -- Creating a home safety checklist can help seniors prevent injuries and let them prepare if they happen to fall or hurt themselves.

The Cleveland Clinic offers these guidelines for seniors and their loved ones:

  • Start a list of emergency numbers -- including poison control, fire, police and the number of a neighbor.

  • Make sure there is always a phone within reach.

  • Install smoke detectors and check them regularly.

  • Don't use space heaters or electric blankets, as both may be fire hazards.

  • Install rails on stairways.

  • Eliminate tripping hazards, such as loose runners.

  • Use nightlights, and make sure all stairwells are well lit.

Related Articles

Learn More About Sharp
Sharp HealthCare is San Diego's health care leader with seven hospitals, two medical groups and a health plan. Learn more about our San Diego hospitals, choose a Sharp-affiliated San Diego doctor or browse our comprehensive medical services.

Health News is provided as a service to Sharp Web site users by HealthDay. Sharp HealthCare nor its employees, agents, or contractors, review, control, or take responsibility for the content of these articles. Please read the Terms of Use for more information.