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Whitehall of Deerfield - Healthcare Center

Making home sweet home into home safe home

During this time of social distancing, people are spending more hours than ever before in their homes. Most of us view home as a safe place but statistics tell a different story. Research compiled by the National Institutes of Health estimate that more than 30,000 people in the United States die each year from unintentional injuries at home. The numbers have been increasing each year since 2000. Many of these accidental deaths could have been avoided by paying attention to some simple safety rules. Here are six ways to make your home a safer place:

Make your home easy to navigate

Falls are the most common household injury. Scatter rugs or loose carpet edges are commonly the cause of a fall, so be sure to tack down loose edges and use non-slip pads under rugs. Check pathways between rooms and clear away any clutter that could be in the way. Spend time inspecting stairways. Keep steps clear and check railings to be sure they are secure. Close closet doors and cabinet doors so that they don’t block pathways. If you can’t reach something, use a safe step stool or ask for help.

Install safety features in the bathroom

Falls in showers or bathtubs can be serious, so take steps to make these areas safer. Place non-slip mats on slippery surfaces and install bars in the showers or tubs to make entering and leaving the area safer. Set the thermostat on your water heater to 120 degrees to avoid unintentional scalding.

Avoid fire starters

Be sure to have working smoke detectors in all areas of the home. Electric appliances with damaged cords can start fires in a home. Inspect cords and replace worn out cords promptly. Don’t overload a socket with too many cords. If you use a space heater, be sure it is at least 3 feet away from bedding, curtains or other flammable objects. Don’t leave a candle burning unattended and be sure to extinguish candles after using. When you are cooking, don’t wear loose clothing that could catch fire. Finally, if a fire starts, have a plan to get out safely and call 911. Don’t try to extinguish the fire yourself

Let there be enough light

Don’t go through a hallway or down stairs without a light. Have sufficient lighting on all pathways in your home and use it. Use a night light or motion-activated light when getting out of bed in the dark. If you can’t see where you are going, falls are a possibility.

Mind those meds

Keep your medications in the original containers when possible to avoid mixing them up. Look at each bottle before taking a medication. When taking several medications, try using a pill minder. Some pharmacies offer medication packets where medications are presorted into blister packs for correct dosage. Pay attention to medication instructions and take pills at correct intervals and with food or water as instructed. Always take your medications to doctor’s appointments so they can be reviewed for interactions.

Keep your home secure

Even if you feel secure in your neighborhood, lock your doors and keep your garage door closed. Your neighbors might be trustworthy but others can come to your neighborhood with malicious intentions. Always look before opening your door. If you don’t know the person, do not open the door. Call for help if the person doesn’t leave. Keep emergency numbers for family and friends near your phone in case they are needed.

A time for more help

Even the safest home may not be the best place to be following a hospital stay or surgery. During a time of recovery, everyday tasks like preparing meals or getting dressed can be challenging. Balance and strength can be affected by your medical condition. This is the reason why many people wisely choose to recover in a short-term care facility where professionals can address all needs and assure a safe return home.

Glenview Terrace has earned a reputation for providing excellent short-term care following a hospital stay. It provides acclaimed one-on-one physical, occupational and speech therapies seven days a week with the goal of returning the patient home as quickly as possible. The expert nursing team and support staff are ready with round-the-clock care for every need that arises from wound care to pain management.

This specialized care is offered with the strictest and most up-to-date infection-control precautions under the guidance of Illinois Department of Public Health and the CDC. Glenview Terrace also takes every additional precaution possible — including routine facility-wide testing and monitoring for symptoms of COVID-19 and frequent disinfecting of high-touch surfaces with EPA-approved cleaning materials.

Glenview Terrace offers all of these services in an elegant setting. Amenities include restaurant-style dining and an elegantly appointed room with bathrooms featuring walk-in showers. Thoughtful extras for short-term rehabilitation guests include morning coffee and newspaper delivery as well as concierge services. The beautifully landscaped grounds with a spacious patio and tranquil fountain also provide both an elegant and calming environment for a time of recovery.

For a safe and effective recovery, choose Glenview Terrace. For additional information, visit glenviewterrace.com or call 847-729-9090.

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