It is a fact that the risk of falling increases with age and is greater for women than for men. Those who have experience a fall will most likely to fall again within six months. And at least one third of all falls in the elderly happens at home. Therefore, it is very crucial to adapt safety improvements in and around the house to prevent or minimize the risk of falling. The followings are quick tips to prevent falls:

• Keep extension cords and telephone cords out of pathways.
• Get rid of throw rugs.
• Avoid chairs without arms. It is easier to rise from a chair that has arm handles.
• Use bath mats with a rubberized, non-slip backing.
• Avoid slippers without covered toes, which tend to get caught on the floor and cause falls.
• Use stair railings when possible. Cover stairs with non-slip treads.
• Avoid changing position quickly. When getting out of bed or a chair, stand for a moment to make sure you’re not dizzy so that you can sit if necessary.
• Watch out for small pets, which tend to get underfoot.
• Keep newspapers and magazines off the floor.
• Place night light in the bedroom, bathroom, and access areas.
• Use a step stool that has handles.
• Keep often-used items within reach.
• Do not wax floors.
• Always clean up spills as soon as they happen.

Because oxygen can be easily ignited:

• Do not use near open flames.
• Do not allow anyone to smoke near the patient.
• Do not use near petroleum products such as grease, oil, or Vaseline.
• Do not use wool blankets on the patient’s bed to avoid dangers from static electricity.

What to do if:

1. My oxygen concentrator will not turn on:
   • Check to see that the power cord is plugged into outlet.
   • Check to see that the concentrator is turned to the “on position”.
2. I do not feel the oxygen flowing:
   • Place the nasal prongs in a clear glass with water. You should see “bubbling” coming from the prongs.
   • If no “bubbling” make sure the oxygen tubing is not twisted or bent.
3. How often do I change the water in the oxygen concentrator humidifier bottle?
   • Water in the humidifier bottle should be changed daily.
   • The humidifier bottle should be changed daily.
   • Once a week, the humidifier bottle should be cleaned with (1) teaspoon of vinegar mixed with (3) teaspoons of water.

• Always be prepared for a sudden emergency. Be sure to have enough necessities on hand and ask family and/or friends for any help.
• You may be notified of a possible emergency by a weather radio, commercial radio and television stations and/or door-to-door warning from local emergency officials. Follow their instructions!
• Assemble a survival kit which should include the following at a minimum:
  • First aid kit
  • Three days worth of medications, including a list of the medications you take regularly and their dosages, the name of the physician prescribing it, and a list of any allergies
  • If you use insulin, pre-fill syringes for three (3) days
  • If you use medical supplies, have an extra three (3) days supply available
  • List of physicians and relatives/friends who should be notified should you be injured
  • List of important documents
  • Store a flashlight, battery operated radio, and extra batteries in case of a power loss
  • Whistle
  • Manual can opener
  • Prepare cash (including coins) on hand (ATM and banks may be closed during emergency)
  • If you use oxygen, arrange for a back-up unit
• Store three (3) days worth of non-perishable food and water, you will need one gallon of water per day per person.
• You will also need:
  • Change of clothing
  • Blanket or sleeping bag
  • Personal hygiene supplies
  • Phone numbers of relatives and/or friends
  • Insurance agent’s name and telephone number
• Have your supplies packed and ready in one place before an emergency/natural disaster strikes.
• Arrange for a back-up power source for any medical equipment that operates on electricity.
• If you are told to stay indoors:
  • Close all windows and doors in your home
  • Turn off all fans, heating, and air conditioning systems
  • Go to a room with the fewest windows and doors
  • Stay away from all windows to avoid injury from flying glass and/or any other projectiles
• If you are instructed to evacuate your home:
  • Turn off electricity and water
  • Leave immediately
  • Stay away from any electrical wires
  • Remember to lock your windows and doors when you evacuate