June is National Safety Month sponsored by the National Safety Council. The general focus is Injury Prevention. While we might typically think of workplace injury prevention, the same basic idea is useful in preventing all injuries. Situational Awareness is the most useful form of injury prevention whether you are moving through your own kitchen, climbing Sugarloaf Mountain, or operating a forklift. 

Injuries and accidents occur in those moments when we are not paying sufficient attention to our surroundings. The U.S. Air Force uses is the OODA loop for avoiding hazards which can be adapted to civilian use. 

Observe – stay alert in your surroundings 

Orient – how can you avoid or mitigate a potential hazard in your surroundings 

Decide – choose the best way to avoid the hazard 

Act – take action to prevent the hazard 

Falls are the most common senior home accident. Nearly one in four seniors are injured in falls each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Unsteadiness caused by medications can contribute to falls, as well as obstacles in the home such as area rugs, frayed carpet, furniture, exposed electrical cords on floors, and doors that are left open and block walkways. 

Use the OODA system to “senior proof” your home by anticipating and eliminating potential hazards. 

Historically, the most dangerous room in the house is the bathroom; a room that is frequently wet and constructed with hard, slippery surfaces in a relatively small area. Two-thirds of bathroom injuries occur in the tub or shower.  

Consult the following lists to mitigate hazardous home conditions: 

GENERAL FALL PREVENTION  

  • Install handrails in stairways. 
  • Clear all clutter. 
  • Arrange furniture to create walking space. 
  • Be careful of area rugs which can be a tripping hazard. 
  • Test your weight on any device like a cane, walker, stair railing or grab bar before putting your full weight on it.  
  • Immediately clean up spills. 
  • Don’t stand on furniture to reach for items. 
  • Wear non-slip footwear in the house to protect feet from injury and avoid slips.  
  • Keep necessary walking aids close by. 
  • Close closet doors and drawers. 
  • Have a flashlight within reach and a nightlight in your bedroom. 
  • Read and follow the directions on all medications carefully.  
  • Check with your doctor if medications are making you wobbly. 
  • Continue to exercise and work on your balance with Poolesville Seniors’ Ping Pong on Mondays at 1:00 pm, Tai Chi Tuesdays at 10:30am.  Zumba Gold Wednesdays at 1pm. 

BATHROOM FALL PREVENTION 

  • Install grab bars inside the shower or tub area and next to the toilet. 
  • Use a bath transfer bench to move into the tub. 
  • Sit on a shower chair inside the shower. 
  • Use a handheld shower head. 
  • Place non-slip mats inside and outside the tub. 
  • Place toiletries within easy reach. 
  • Clear the path to the bathroom. 
  • Have a flashlight within reach and a nightlight in your bathroom.  
  • Install lever faucets that are easier to turn. 
  • Wear a life-alert pendant. 
  • Set hot water heater temperature no higher than 120 degrees.