Safety is important to all in society, especially those who are ill. The sick person is particularly prone to accident and injury by virtue of the illness itself. Listed below are some suggestions to assure optimum safety in your home and life style.

Environmental:

  1. Maintain clear walkways. Remove obstacles in walking paths.
  2. Eliminate scatter rugs.
  3. Wear secure shoes and clothing. Avoid open-heeled shoes.
  4. Maintain good lighting around you. A night light will help if you get up during the night.
  5. Equipment should be maintained and checked for proper functioning and settings.
  6. Use appropriate devices.
  7. Avoid excesses in temperature. Your awareness of heat and cold may be dulled due to medication, the disease itself, or the aging process.
  8. Spills should be cleaned immediately. Wet floors are a real hazard.
  9. Safety bars may be indicated in the bathrooms.
  10. Keep emergency numbers in easy view, near the phone.
  11. Side rails may be indicated and can be obtained for the bed.
  12. The company providing medical equipment will give you instructions on operation, electrical

safety, fire hazards, storage, and temperature control. Our medical personnel will clarify data on

safety management.

Health:

  1. Smoking: Avoid or cut down on smoking. Smoking is linked to several kinds of cancer, heart disease and frequently is the source of home fires. Smoking is not advised in bed and prohibited in the presence of oxygen use.
  2. Alcohol: Only drink in moderation or not at all. Alcohol can lead to automobile accidents, health and family problems.
  3. Prescription Drugs: Always follow directions. Read labels before each use. Store drugs properly. Throw out unused or outdated prescriptions. Only use medication prescribed for your use/
  4. Nutrition: A healthy diet keeps you fit and gives you energy. Eat from the four food groups. Limit your intake of salt, sugar, fats and cholesterol.
  5. Exercise: Consult your physician to establish an appropriate exercise program. Start slowly and increase gradually.
  6. Rest: Get enough sleep to feel rested each morning.

 

Valuables:

It is highly recommended that valuables be inventoried, locked up and secured by a responsible party, or removed from the home entirely.

Firearms and other weapons:

To eliminate the possibility of an unforeseen accident, we request that all firearms and other dangerous weapons be either locked up and secured by a responsible party, or removed from the home entirely, while our employees are present.

Fire Response:

  1. The use of a smoke detector is recommended.
  2. In the event of a fire, close the door of the room immediately. Remove yourself from your home and go to a neighbor to call 911. Discuss with your caregiver an evacuation plan so that you can be removed immediately. Be prepared.
  3. OR:

R-Remove Yourself from Immediate Danger

A-Activate System: 911

C-Contain Fire/Close Doors

E-Exit

  1. Check carefully all electrical connections to space heaters, heating pads, O2 tanks, ventilators, and

be cautious when using extension cords.

Bloodborne Pathogens:

When taking care of someone in the home where blood, body fluids, or syringes are used and need to be disposed of, please follow the following guidelines:

  • Flush all liquid waste down the toilet.
  • Tissues and toilet paper (or other flushable items) that have body fluids or blood should also be flushed down the toilet.
  • Items that are not flushable (tampons, paper towels, wound dressings, etc.) should be placed in individual plastic bags, closed securely, and then placed in the household trash.
  • Sharps (needles, syringes, lancets) should be placed in a recloseable, impenetrable plastic container, such as a laundry detergent bottle and the spout should not be more than 2” in diameter. When the container is full, the cap should be tightened in place and then taped with masking or duct tape to seal. The container may then be placed in the household trash for disposal.
  • To disinfect for any spills use a solution of 1:100 chlorine bleach to water (example: ¼ cup bleach to 1 gallon of water).

If you have any questions or need assistance with any of these safety aspects, please ask your nurse or therapist. Your health and safety are our primary concern.