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Homeowning Tips: Home Safety for Elderly Loved Ones

Research has shown that the majority of older adults prefer to stay in their own homes as they age, as these are the spaces that are most familiar and where they feel most comfortable and secure. However, as people age, their mobility and reflexes can diminish, making minor safety hazards around the home into more significant concerns. That's why it's crucial to evaluate a senior's living environment and take steps to reduce the risk of falls and other mishaps that could cause serious injury.

General Guidelines for Improving Safety at Home

  • Reposition furniture to create wide, clear walkways throughout the home.
  • Make sure that light switches are visible and accessible. Ideally, they should be rocker switches rather than toggle switches, and they should be positioned no more than 4 feet from the floor.
  • Ensure that there is enough light throughout the home. Add task lighting wherever more light is needed.
  • Replace slippery flooring and loose rugs with secure, slip-resistant surfaces.
  • Make sure that all electrical cables are placed against walls or behind furniture so they don't present a tripping hazard.
  • Check that all seating is steady, supportive, and easy to use.
  • Post the phone numbers for important contacts such as doctors, health aides, property managers, etc., in multiple places throughout the home where they can be easily referred to if needed.

Entryway Safety Tips

As people age, maneuvering in and out of any space can become much more difficult, and addressing this issue starts at the entrance to the home.

  • Ensure that there's a clear path from the driveway to the door.
  • Inspect walkways for cracks, uneven surfaces, and loose stones and make any necessary repairs.
  • Make sure that paths are wide enough for a walker or wheelchair, and clear any shrubbery that obstructs the walkway.
  • Check the condition of any steps to make sure they're in good repair and have steady handrails on both sides.
  • If there are stairs but there's no wheelchair ramp, consider installing one; even if it's not strictly necessary at the moment, ramps are still easier to use safely than stairs.

Creating an Elder-Friendly Kitchen

Kitchens can be dangerous places for anyone, but that's especially true for people whose eyesight or reflexes may be weakening. Take a close look around the kitchen to make sure that it's safe for seniors.

  • Install plenty of bright lighting, especially under cabinets and over work surfaces.
  • Consider replacing cabinet knobs with larger levers or bars that are easier to grasp and pull.
  • Replace devices with heating elements, like toasters and coffee makers, with ones that have an automatic shutoff feature.
  • Use cookware and dishes in contrasting colors to the color of the counters and cabinets to make everything easier to see.

Bedroom Safety

Even the bedroom, a place for relaxation, can pose dangers for an elderly person. Take a little time to check the room for ease of navigation to make sure that it's a safe space.

  • Check the height of the bed to make sure that it's not too high or too low, which can make it hard to get into and out of. Ideally, a person should be able to sit on the side of the bed and have their feet on the floor. Add risers or change the bed frame as needed.
  • Make sure there's a clear path around the room, especially between the bed and the bathroom.
  • Put a touch-activated lamp on the nightstand to make nighttime trips to the bathroom easier.

Bathroom Safety Tips

Wet surfaces can be particularly hazardous for someone with impaired coordination or balance, so it's important to do everything you can to ensure bathroom safety and prevent falls.

  • Modify the height of the toilet seat so it's comfortable and easy to use.
  • Add grab bars to the shower to help the user keep their balance while they get in and out.
  • Replace the shower or tub with one that doesn't require the user to step up into it.
  • Add a shower seat and a detachable showerhead.
  • Invest in a bath chair or shower.
  • Add anti-slip decals to the floor as needed to improve traction.

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