5 tips to prevent falls, even with your pets

Ron Smith

Most of us cannot live without our cats and dogs, but sometimes they literally bother us.

Approximately 85,000 people suffer non-fatal injuries from pet falls each year. About 88% of these falls are attributed to dogs. Not only do our pets get tangled in our feet when walking or carrying, their toys and accessories also present more trip hazards.

Tip: The National Institute on Aging says, "Know where your pet is while standing or walking." Limit thrown toys by picking them up regularly. And if you plan to bring a bulky item like a laundry basket with you, put your pet in an enclosed space where it won't get in your way.

Speaking of laundry baskets: Moving clothes creates special opportunities for leftovers. Most of us who live in Arizona don't have to carry laundry baskets up the stairs to the basement to do laundry, but those who live in a multi-story home can face challenges. Stairs for washing clothes.

Tip: Consider a laundry bag or laundry basket on wheels instead of a bulky, unwieldy laundry basket that could hide your feet as you walk.

When choosing washing machines and dryers, consider the ergonomics of the loading and unloading units.

Tip: consider if a front door model is easier to load and unload, or if a top loader would be better? When you have a suitably sized laundry room, add a table or folding surface to make it easier to sort and fold clothes.

Dirty dryer lint traps and exhaust pipes can be a fire hazard.

Tip: Clean your lint trap after each use and, if necessary, commission a professional sewer specialist to clean the sewers. If you find that your dryer is taking longer than usual, it may be time for an inspection and possible cleaning.

Reaching the top shelves for supplies or the top bars of the dryer rack can also be dangerous.

Tip: Choose a sturdy, non-slip stepladder with a handle for additional safety. Sometimes a reach tool can be used to get a lightweight item off an overhead shelf without resorting to the dangers of climbing a ladder or ladder. The room should have a smoke detector. If you are using a gas dryer make sure you have a carbon monoxide detector.

(Source: AARP HomeFit Guide at aarp.org/homefit ).

Ron Smith is based in Maricopa and is a local aging advocate. He is also a member of the Maricopa Senior Friends Advisory Committee and a member of the Maricopa Senior Coalition.

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This column appears in the October issue of InMaricopa magazine .

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