A unique safety concern for seniors

By Sharon Elliott

Just when I thought I had a good grasp on the safety and security issues that affect the lives of seniors, I’ve come to recognize there are some safety issues I have not addressed. Now that I’m a parent, safety has become an even greater part of my life and I realize that my new ‘child safety’ practices would be important for many seniors, as well. So, if you’re a senior, new grandparent, or someone who has little ones visiting your home this safety article is for you.

When you have little ones in your home you have to turn your safety senses on full strength. It amazes me how quickly toddlers can find the most dangerous things in a home in minutes. It doesn’t matter what toys you have brought out for them to play with, they will automatically find the matches, barbeque or cigarette lighter, your pill containers, knitting needles, coin dish, ant traps, the cleaning product cupboard, anything small you’ve dropped on the floor and couldn’t find yourself, and every garbage can in the house.

So, if you have a little explorer coming for a visit, here are some safety tips that can make a big difference. First of all, get down on your hands and knees and have a look around the room at their level. Anything that you can reach, they can reach, and if they shouldn’t have it move it out of their grasp. And, while your down there have a look at the floor. If you see anything that could fit in a little mouth, pick that up too.

The next thing you can do is get a container or box and go for a walk around the rooms that are accessible to your little one. Pick up the items that are sharp, dangerous, poisonous, or a possible choking hazard and put them in the box. This way, when you need to find an item you’ve put out of reach you only need to check one spot. Plus, don’t forget to put this container out of accessibility limits.

Our homes are also full of potential choking hazards, so here is a nice little safety tip: anything that can fit within the width of a cardboard toilet paper tube is considered a choking hazard for toddlers. Using this as your gage, you can also place these items out of reach.

Another very important child safety step to take is that of removing all medications, pills, vitamins, etc. from a child’s reach. Not only should these items be in childproof containers, they should also be out of climbing reach. This can also a good time to return any unused or outdated medication to your pharmacist for disposal. (Remember, do not dispose down your drains.)

One of the leading causes of injury for small children is that from burns. Cups of tea and coffee can turn into very dangerous substances around children. One way to make these beverages safer is to use mugs or containers with secure lids and small openings for drinking. In doing so, if the beverage were to spill less of the scalding liquid would escape at once.

Along this same line, it’s very important to realize that table clothes, table runners, doilies, etc, are also very dangerous. You may think that you have set a hot beverage (or anything else they shouldn’t have for that matter) safely out of reach. But remember, if they can pull on any of these items, everything on them can land on the child. I had my own experience of setting a glass of milk on the open newspaper, on the kitchen table. It was only minutes later that the edge of the paper was grabbed by my little toddler. Milk went everywhere and the glass smashed to bits all over the floor! This experience made me feel very lucky. It could have been worse and I learned a very important lesson.

So, when you have a little one coming to visit you definitely need to think and plan ahead. The safety tips suggested in this article are quick, easy, and free. If you take a few minutes to make your home toddler friendly it will be an enjoyable visit for all.

For more information on safety and security tips, please contact Sharon Elliott at 665- 4481. Or, by email at sharon.elliott@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

And, if you have an important safety tip or suggestion please let us know. We are always happy to hear from you. (Sharon Elliott is Seniors’ Safety coordinator in Annapolis County.)