Safety matters; especially as age brings changes to vision, hearing, memory and strength. These changes can put a person at risk of accidental injury even in their own home.
At the same time, 77 percent of older Americans would prefer to live in their own home instead of transfer to a nursing or assisted living facility (AARP).
Whether you’re getting older or you’re caring for an aging loved one, making sure the home is safe can significantly extend the length of time they are able to stay in their own home.
Let’s look at some of the things you can do to make the home safer.
Disclaimer: The following section contains links to products. These links are provided solely as recommendations. Aging & In-Home Services of Northeast Indiana is not affiliated with any of these retailers, and is not compensated for purchases made through these links.
How to Improve Home Safety for an Older Adult
Home Safety Tips for each part of the House
In the bathroom
We all have to go. But age makes it harder to move around, especially getting in and out of the shower and standing up/sitting down on the toilet. Water and the slippery floors also make the bathroom a significant risk for falls.
Here’s how you can make the bathroom a safer place for your aging loved one.
Purchase a non-slip mat for inside the shower or tub. These are relatively inexpensive on Amazon, and they make showering safer.
Hire someone to install grab bars in the tub and next to the toilet. If you’re not sure who can help you get these installed, Just Call Us!
Falls pose a risk in all areas of the house, not just the bathroom. Check out our blog on fall prevention for more tips to reduce the risk of a fall.
On the stairs
The danger of falling on the stairs is self-evident. And for older adults who are more easily tired or have trouble seeing, the stairs are a serious risk.
Here’s how to reduce the risk of becoming injured on the stairs.
Make sure every stairway in the house has proper lighting.
Put reflective tape on the edge of each stair. This helps reduce the risk of tripping on the way up the stairs and the risk of falling on the way down.
If possible, try to keep the essentials on the main floor so there is little need to use the stairs.
Consider having a chair lift installed. If you need help finding a company to assist with this, Just Call Us!
If you or your loved one is open to the idea, you can also consider downsizing to a home that only has one floor, eliminating the risk of injury on the stairs altogether.
In the yard
The yard is part of the home too! And just like the rest of the home, it’s important to make sure the yard is a safe place.
Here’s how to do it.
Make sure all entrances to the house are well lit. Replace any light bulbs that are burnt out.
Be sure pathways and decks have non-slip surfaces.
Put away any hoses or tools as soon as you are done using them. These are tripping hazards when left out.
Keep pathways clear of sticks, snow, leaves etc.
Maintaining a yard is difficult for homeowners of all ages. Consider hiring someone to help with lawn maintenance if you have the resources. Just Call Us for a list of companies that can assist with this.
In the kitchen
The kitchen is the part of the home where fires are most likely to start, so we’re cooking up a list of things you can do to make the kitchen safer (American red Cross)!
Do not wear loose-fitting clothing when cooking or baking, especially when an open flame is present.
If you have a gas stove, consider switching to an electric stove that does not use an open flame.
Ensure there is a smoke detector installed in the kitchen.
Always set a timer to remind you to check on foods that take a long time to cook or bake.
The U.S. Fire Administration reports that the likelihood of being injured or killed in a fire doubles starting at the age of 65. Make smart choices when cooking to ensure your kitchen is a low fire risk!
In the bedroom
Where the day begins and ends! Start and end the day safely with these tips.
Make sure there is a light next to the bed so you can safely get up to use the bathroom at night.
Keep space heaters a safe distance from the bed so no blankets catch fire.
If there are rugs in the bedroom, secure them with carpet tape or remove them altogether to reduce the risk of tripping.
Keep your phone next to you when you sleep in case of an emergency.
There’s nothing like getting in bed after a long day. Make sure the bedroom is safe so you can rest easy knowing you’ve done your part to keep the home safe.
Be Prepared in Case of Emergency
Despite our efforts, accidents can still happen. Here’s what you can do to be prepared in case you or your loved one has an emergency at home.
Always carry your cell phone with you.
Keep a file of life on the refrigerator so emergency responders know who you are and your healthcare information if you are unable to speak for yourself.
Give a key to a trusted friend or neighbor who can check on you or your loved one if needed.
Consider getting a personal medical alert system. This is a wearable button that can be pushed in an emergency to call for help. Just Call Us for more information about how to get one.
Home safety is especially important for older adults as age brings changes to our abilities. Follow these tips and you or your loved one can continue to live safely in the community instead of going to a facility.
For more information about home safety and how you can defer nursing home placement, Just Call Us!