Senior Safety at Home: 'Safety Is No Accident'

Every year, over 200 Alaskan seniors become victims of injuries at home and falling down is attributed to 71 percent of these injuries.

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By KTVA CBS 11
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Story Created: Apr 5, 2011 at 11:19 AM AKDT

Story Updated: Apr 5, 2011 at 11:31 AM AKDT

Starting Monday evening, KTVA CBS 11 News is partnering up with the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services for National Public Health Week.

This year's theme: “Safety is No Accident.” Each night, KTVA CBS 11 News’ broadcasts will highlight a different topic and educate viewers how to better protect themselves and their loved ones. 

Monday night, we took a closer look at ways to make your home safer, especially for Alaska's seniors.

Every year, over 200 Alaskan seniors become victims of injuries at home and falling down is attributed to 71 percent of these injuries.

And, for seniors over 75 years old, falls are the leading cause of injuries leading to death.

Health experts say homes should be upgraded regularly to reduce the risk of falling.

"It's actually quite simple and cost effective to make few modifications in the home,” said Alba Diaz Carmona of Access Alaska. “Having grab bars, raising the toilet to a higher level, double railings wherever there are stairs...” are all simple solutions to potentially hazardous home situations.

Strength and balance exercises, like tai chi and yoga, can also empower seniors to lead a more independent lifestyle.

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Effie said on Wednesday, Apr 27 at 10:11 PM

I strongly agree to the facts stated in this article. Even after I senior-proofed my elderly mom’s house, I still know that she can still possibly get hurt inside of it especially that her old age has been her more vulnerable. Accident is just something inevitable. So to further ensure her safety, I gave her a Just5 cell phone that can both function as her communication and safety device. This phone has PERS features, which can be activated with one press to its SOS button. For me, this is something that seniors should secure to themselves.

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