General Household & Lifestyle safety

Tips for household & lifestyle safety:

 

• Ensure those around you are aware that you have epilepsy and what to do in the case of a seizure.
• Wear a helmet when riding a bike, scooter, skating, or other activities where head injury is a risk.
• Avoid climbing ladders, especially if you are alone.
• Avoid stairs where possible.
• Carpeted floors are safer than harder floor covers and are less of a slipping risk.
• When waiting for transport ensure you are a safe distance away from the edge of the road or track.
• When participating in activities at a height ensure you have a harness.
• Reduce any clutter and cover any sharp edges around the home.
• To reduce fire risk, wall-mounted and ducted heaters are safe options.
• Use a fixed safety guard around fireplaces.
• Do not use candles or open fires when alone.
• Have doors that are easy to remove, that open outward or are sliding.
• If avoidable, do not live alone. If you do, there are personal alarms available that can notify emergency services.
• Medic Alert Bracelets are helpful to signal to others that you have epilepsy.
• Lifestyle

– Take medication on time

– Avoid things that trigger seizures. E.g.  Overheating, flashing lights, alcohol, lack of sleep, caffeine

– Manage stress

– Eat regularly and healthy options

– Have a sleep routine

– Avoid alcohol and illicit drugs

– Have the people around you attend first aid and epilepsy awareness training

– Know if there is a pattern to your seizures

– Attend regular appointments as required