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community at large. Let’s start with the home: poor lighting presents “Pride contributes to a fair
a trip hazard even when the surface is clear, obtain the services of an amount of injuries since the
electrician who can illuminate dark corners or at minimum obtain individual refuses to accept
motion activated night lights. The cost is about $13 a piece for the a deficit and chooses not to
night lights and once activated they stay on about 90 seconds before ”use the recommended cane
growing dim. As long as there is movement however the light remains or walker.
on. Kohler makes a LED nightlight toilet seat which is marvelous in
ensuring the bathroom is well lit without turning on a light at night, We all love our pets but having them weave in and out of legs while
cost is about $76. Most falls occur in the bedroom and bathroom so walking is a risk for all of us let alone those with an enabler (cane/
these simple solutions could save a life. Ensure that showers and tubs walker) or a gait imbalance.Bumps on the floor between room surfaces
have non slip surfaces and professionally installed grab bars, a small and unchecked spills are also a danger. We can all agree that removing
expense considering the cost of an injury. The light on the bedside a spill from the floor is important, however that presents a risk of
table needs to be within easy reach or a tumble can result. Check its own. The change from a stooped position to a standing position
all rooms for electrical cord safety which if not secured to the floor can result in vertigo and then an imbalance. Consider removing the
or wall, present another risk factor. The contents of a home needs spill from a seated position like using a kitchen chair. When out in
to be streamlined. Remove clutter and assure that the placement of the community be mindful of curbs, speeds bumps and the cement
furniture enables an individual to walk with or without with canes, stops in front of most parking spaces. Safety takes awareness, the
walkers, or wheelchairs unimpaired. Decluttering a home is not willingness to change, coach, cue, educate and to be a role model.
an easy task and may need careful negotiations if you are advising Are you up to the task? To become involved contact Mike Reagen at
another. Most of us feel that we have our homes just the way we want mike@mikereagen.com.
them and are not open to change, even for the sake of safety. Throw
rugs and large rug overlays may seem sensible and look beautiful but Sandra Lee Buxton RN BSN MA is a Licensed Healthcare Risk
for the sake of safety they all need to be removed or ensure that they Manager and Medical Legal Nurse Consultant and Chief Nursing Officer
are firmly tacked down. I worked with a woman who was so adamant McKenney Home Care.
about keeping her oriental rug in place that she stated she would risk
a fall. The fall happened and she hit her head on the corner of a table
and subsequently died. Tragic is an understatement in a case like this.

With its pristine Gulf of Mexico waters, white sand beaches,
and amazing sunsets, Naples is the pearl of Florida’s Paradise Coast.

You just won’t want to leave.

Whether a buyer or seller, for the expertise you need
to realize your Naples dream lifestyle, give me a call.

Doug

“Ich spreche auch Deutsch” Doug DeCaster Realtor®
Doug Just Sold I Old Naples and the Beach Naples Specialist

• 520 9th Ave S Olde Naples • 317 7th Ave S Catelena 787 5th Ave S | Naples FL 34102
• 334 8th Ave S Chatham Place • 291A 8th Ave S Garden Court Mobile: 239.250.2985
• 461 11th Ave S Spellbinder Villas •250 7th Ave S #107 Oldetowne
• 229 7th Ave S #201 Villa Yvonne •213A 8th Ave S Garden Manor DJDECASTER@EARTHLINK.NET
www.DougDeCaster.com

Life in Naples | March 2015 49