You need to remember to be safe while at home. This means do not open the door for anyone you do not know, and don’t tell anyone that you are home along or live alone.
Before you go to bed every night you should check to make sure that all doors and windows are locked. You should also have a nightlight in any hallways you might use at night. (Going to the bathroom at night in the dark might be difficult)
You should have any and all medications that you take in a small plastic tote box that will fit in a cabinet, away from the bathroom. And out reach of any children that may visit.
Another thing you can do with your medications (this is medicines and any herbs you are taking) is to have a list of everything you take, and how much. That you can keep with your medicines.
You might even want to keep a chart with the times you take any medication, so that you can write down anything that you take and when, along with the date. This may help you to avoid doubling up on a medication, or keep you from forgetting something you should have taken.
Also with all of you medicines together in a plastic container, it will be easy for you to just pick up this box if there is ever an unexpected emergency. You do need to make sure you are not the only one who knows where your medication is, because if something happens and you pass out, the person who finds you may need to take these medications to the hospital or doctor, so that they know what you are taking.
By keeping your medicines together and a chart with your medicines as to when and what you have taken, you will make it easier for a medical professional to help you if you do find your self in an emergency situation. The chart can be kept either inside the box or taped to the front or top of your box.
By keeping your medicines within easy reach of you, but out of reach of any visiting grandchildren you are protecting not only yourself but your grandchildren too.
So what are some other things that you can do to be safe in your home or while you are out and about.
Let’s review what I have said so far:
Number one when you are out and about, tell someone your plans, even better take a friend or two along with you. There is safety in numbers, and you can have an enjoyable visit while all of you get errands done. Such as grocery shopping, paying bills, etc.
Number two; stay active in your community. Don’t isolate yourself. Find friends to visit or call. Talk to people.
Number three; DO NOT ALLOW STRANGERS inside your home, or tell them you are a lone. And never give out financial information over the telephone.
Number four; do not carry handbags or purses that can be snatched from you. And don’t carry cash. Instead carry one credit card for all your shopping, and identification such as your driver’s license.
Number five; do not leave your purse or handbag or any packages in plan sight in your vehicle instead put things out of sight before getting out of your vehicle. Also keep all door in your vehicle locked.
Also another very important item I forgot to mention is to keep your vehicle well maintained and your gas tank full. Also keep an emergency kit in your vehicle at all times. Including a list of any and all medications you take in case you are in an accident.
Number six don’t have your mail delivered to your house, instead get it at the post office, this will make it harder for anyone to know when you are not home. Because it will be normal for you to not get mail at home. If you can not go to the post office have a friend or relative go get it.
Number seven; Keep your medication all together. So it is easy to keep track of everything. And write down any and all medications that you take then keep it with your box of medication.
So besides this what else can you do to stay safe in your home and while you are out and about.
Well you can keep your home clean and clutter free as much as possible, especially any walkways. Don’t have things in the floor that you can trip over and fall. Also arrange your furniture so that you can walk around easily, even if you have to walk thru in the dark.
Also have a working smoke detector and carbon dioxide monitor on each floor. And at least one fire extinguisher in your home.
Also if you must smoke do not smoke in bed.
Many of these things you probably already know but it is always good to refresh your memory every now and then.
Try to remember that no one can keep you as safe as you can by following some very good advice. Such as do not allow strangers inside your home, do not go to the door at night unless you are certain who is outside. And lock your doors even if you live out in the country.
And keep a cell phone and working flashlight beside your bed at all times. This way if something happens to your phone line you can still call for help if needed and you can have a light to see by if your power goes out.
