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Media Release |
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Architects Warn on Deadly Home Hazards
Tuesday, 06 September 2011 12:22
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There are more than 930,000 Victorians aged 70 years or over and this number will reach 1.6 million over the next 20 years
*. This will further increase the need to monitor safety hazards in the home. * Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics.The call for the safety checks coincides with the release this morning by Victorian Housing Minister Wendy Lovell of the latest Safe and Sound report by Archicentre, at the Caulfield Hospital. Archicentre manages the Victorian Government's free home inspection service for aged pensioners and disabled people and their carers.
Falls by older people account for the majority of home injuries including 19% of all deaths and 41% of hospital admissions, according to Ms Lovell.
David Hallett, Archicentre's Manager of the Home Renovation Service said, "about a quarter of the homes visited by Archicentre had safety hazards."
"We are urging people visiting elderly relatives or friends to keep an eye out for safety issues in the home, many of which are easy and simple to fix."
"If you see a hazard remove it. Immediately! It could save a life or prevent serious injury."
Archicentre's Tips on Fall Prevention:
- A flat, accessible site is ideal for older residents who gradually lose mobility or balance and risk injury, whilst attempting to negotiate uneven paving or steps.
- Weather protection between the garage and house will help reduce risks, such as carrying groceries in the rain over wet, slippery surfaces.
- Interior colour schemes with a good contrast helps people with diminishing eyesight identify doors, entranceways, and changed surface conditions.
- Installing extra power points eliminates the tangle of loose extension leads that can cause unexpected falls.
- Impact-absorbent floor surfaces to reduce injuries from falls.
- Level entry showers
- Grab rails in the bathroom for the shower and toilet, and at front and rear steps.
- Replacement of worn, torn or loose carpet.
- Reflective or brightly coloured strips on stairs.
- Sensor lights to external areas.
In Victoria Archicentre conducts FREE Home Safety Inspections that are funded by the Victorian Government through the Department of Human Services for aged and disability pensioners or carers. To access the service telephone (03) 9815 1900 or 1300 136 513.
The Safe and Sound Report is available for download at the Archicentre website The Report also details the safety hazards found during the inspections in Council areas and suburban listings.
Media Enquiries:
Ron Smith, Corporate Media Communications, Archicentre - Mobile: 0417 329 201