14 Mar Reduce the Risk of Fires in Seniors’ Homes
While everyone needs to take precautions in their home to prevent fires, it’s particularly important for those who may be more vulnerable, like seniors. Older adults have the greatest risk of being hurt or killed in a house fire. In 2014, older people aged over 65 had almost 3 times more chance of dying in a fire, while seniors aged over 85 were 4.1 times more at risk.
A number of factors contribute to seniors being more at risk. A poor sense of smell, limited mobility and a lower tolerance of smoke and burn injuries, can result in serious injuries or loss of life. Often, the sources of the fires are candles, heaters, cookers and electric blankets.
Creating a home safety checklist is essential for seniors, their relatives and carers to evaluate a person’s house and identify where there could be possible hazards.
Post courtesy of : Jess Walter