In-Home safety

Senior home safety should be a priority for any older adult wanting to live a full, productive life in their own home. The risk of injury from falling is greatly increased for senior adults and unfortunately the majority of falls happen at home. There are many precautions that can be taken to improve home safety for seniors.

Seniors home safety precautions can include simple things like nightlights, clearing furniture and other tripping prone objects like rugs, and using no slip mats in tubs and showers. Installing handrails in longer hallways and in bathrooms can be a big help. It’s important to look at practical solutions for the entire home.

Stairs

It is important to have rails on both sides of stairways, inside and outside the home. This helps with stability and proper balance. Inspect stairs for loose boards, raised nails, cracked cement or wobbly handrails. Also check that any carpets or stair runners are firmly in place. Stairways should be well lit. When mobility is restricted, a stair lift may be useful for helping navigate elderly safety in the home.

Bathrooms

There are showerheads that prevent scalding with automatic sensors. Attaching bars near the toilet and inside the shower or tub help with stability and allow for more ease of movement throughout the bathroom. Be sure rugs are firmly in place and no-slip mats can enhance tub safety.

Kitchens

Never leave cooking food unattended in the kitchen. Set timers that are loud enough to be heard over television noise and without hearing devices in. Silicone pot holders protect hands from getting burned, but also don’t easily catch fire if left too close to the stove.

Fire Safety

Fire safety often starts with smoke detectors and there are special models made with the specific needs of seniors in mind. For the hearing impaired there are smoke detectors with strobe lights to alert people in the home to dangerous smoke. Be sure smoke detectors are distributed well throughout the home and easy to reach. Also check the batteries regularly.

Other precautions

Senior citizen home safety requires products and precautions throughout the home. Consider the footwear worn around the home. Slippers should have gripping rubber soles and sturdy shoes are a better alternative. Keep phones in various locations throughout the home with emergency numbers clearly posted in large print. Broader measures can include regular exercise to maintain strength and regular eye and ear exams to help maintain sight and balance.