Top 10 Tips To Make Your Home Safer From The Experts At Lighthouse International
As the population ages, millions of Americans will have significant vision loss. It is estimated, for example, that six million Americans have Age Related Macular Degeneration (the leading cause of vision impairment among Americans 65 and over) and 13 -15 million Americans have pre-symptomatic signs of the disease.
To enable this growing population with vision loss to live safely and independently at home, the low vision experts at Lighthouse International, a 102-year-old organization dedicated to preserving vision and providing critically needed health care, have produced an easy-to-follow kit and online video. These tools teach people how to make their home more risk-free, how to cook more safely and learn more about eye health.
Here are some highlights from LIVING BETTER AT HOME:
- Mark frequently used settings on appliances (microwave, oven, and washer/dryer) with bright nail polish or the Touch-Dots
- Store similar foods together; differentiate like-shaped containers with tactile markings such as rubber bands
- Clearly label toxic substances and keep them in a designated location away from food
- Arrange clothing by outfits, color or with large-print labels
- Use large-print or color-coded labels on medications, or buy pill organizers and talking pill bottles
- Put shampoo, conditioner and shower gel into containers of different shapes and sizes
- Remove throw rugs or use non-skid rubber backing or double-sided tape to eliminate sliding
- Purchase talking appliances like watches, weight scales, alarm clocks, etc.
- Use flexible-arm lamps that can be positioned to focus light on the task and install under-cabinet lighting in your kitchen or work areas as well as nightlights in hallways and bathrooms
- Use non-skid rubber mats in the shower or tub
In the Kitchen and Dining Room
Clothing
Bathroom
General Home Safety
LIVING BETTER AT HOME is made possible by an unrestricted educational grant from Genentech, one of the world's leading biotech companies. More information, videos, and a lesson guide are at www.lighthouse.org/livingbetter or call (212) 821-9567.
Founded in 1905, Lighthouse International is a leading non-profit organization dedicated to preserving vision and to providing critically needed health care services to help people of all ages overcome the challenges of vision loss. Through services, education, research and advocacy, the Lighthouse enables people with low vision and blindness to enjoy safe, independent and productive lives. For more information about vision loss, its causes and what you can do about it, contact Lighthouse International at 1-800-829-0500 or visit www.lighthouse.org