Despite being a relatively small portion of the US population, Americans over the age of 65 are responsible for over 70 percent of the country’s product-related accidents. These injuries can be life-threatening and cause millions of hospitalizations annually. Due to the hazards of household products, almost three million older adults visit the emergency room due to injuries every year.
Fortunately, there are plenty of safety measures that can be taken to improve the safety of our homes. For people over 65, one of these measures could involve something in the bedroom.
Safety in the Bedroom
Although bed rails are commonly used to prevent falls, they can also be dangerous for older individuals due to their lack of safety features. According to a report released by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, over 16 deaths annually occur due to the improper use of bed rails. This can happen in various ways. For instance, it can occur when a person gets stuck between the mattress and the rail.
To prevent a fall, make sure that the bed rails you’re using are safe. Before buying new ones, check if the model has been recalled. Every year, around 1,800 people over 65 die due to falls. It’s estimated that over 1.5 million people sustain injuries from falls. Some of these accidents occurred when individuals fell from their beds.
Take Precautions
Aside from having the proper bed rails, seniors can also take various safety measures at home to prevent falls. Some of these include having handrails on both sides of the stairs and keeping the floor clear and slip-resistant.
