The Pew Research Center has some interesting statistics. According to recent data about adults aged 60 and over, 27% live alone. This means that seniors, especially those who live alone, need ways of residing safely at home.
It’s important to consider factors such as slip and fall accidents, taking precautionaty measures to keep all homes safe and secure. This helpful article features home safety tips and safe home practices for seniors.
Make Your Home Safer to Navigate
Seniors in assisted living or living alone need a space with flat entryways, removing steps into a home. If this isn’t possible, consider adding ramps for wheelchair accessibility.
If there are any tripping hazards, such as rugs or other mats, remove them. If your home has any decorations on the floor or anything else blocking your walking path, remove these items as well.
In homes with frayed or ripped carpet, fix any problem areas. Double-sided tape works to keep carpets secure if a professional fix is too expensive.
Doorknobs can be challenging to use. In this instance, replace knobs with levers instead. Look around and add railings and handrails in any areas that require extra assistance.
Always keep the following items in locations that are easy to reach:
- Thermostats
- Outlets
- Light switches
Ensure your home has plenty of lighting, such as extra lamps, overhead lights, LED lights under cabinets, and nightlights. Change lightbulbs regularly.
Bathroom Safety
The bathroom can be dangerous due to slip and fall accidents. These falls can lead to head injuries, sprained and broken bones, and even death. But there are ways to safeguard the bathroom, working to protect seniors.
Always use non-slip strips in the shower, tub, and floor.
Don’t use any type of throw rug or towels in the bathroom, as these pose a safety hazard. Instead, use rubber bathmats that adhere to the floor.
Showers and tubs should always have bars to hold onto, along with some type of bench or seat to make bathing easier.
Some seniors may benefit from raised toilet seats, as this helps with improved accessibility. You can purchase them online or in home improvement stores.
If you’re looking to renovate your bathroom, consider walk-in tubs for convenience. Although considered an amenity, these tubs make entering and exiting tubs much safer.
Kitchen Organization Is Paramount
When organizing a kitchen, it’s important to keep everything within reach. This means keeping breakable or heavy objects on lower shelves and organizing the items used daily.
For example, you’d want to keep these items on lower shelves:
- Food
- Plates, bowls, and utensils
- Pots and pans
- Items used in daily cooking
- Appliances
When items are easily accessible, it prevents straining to reach items or the use of a stepstool. This is especially important for older adults who live alone. Instead of installing new cabinets, simply rearrange the ones you have, adding pull-out shelves, lazy Susans, and turntables to keep everything as organized as possible.
Consider the Stairs
For seniors looking to move, consider floorplans without stairs. As people age, stairs become increasingly difficult to navigate, so moving to a single-story home might be the best solution.
In homes with stairs, look for any worn or damaged floorboards and promptly repair them. If stairs are uncarpeted, add non-slip strips to prevent accidental falls.
At the top and bottom of the stairs, be sure to install plenty of lights, ensuring everything is well-lit. It may also be a good idea to create a contrast to the steps, making them easier to see. This can be done with paint.
Additionally, both sides of indoor and outdoor stairs should have railings for extra safety.
Lighting
Lighting should be everywhere, adding to overall home safety. This includes replacing lightbulbs when they burn out and installing extra lighting in rooms such as the kitchen and bathroom.
Kitchens need plenty of overhead lighting when cooking with a hot stove, slicing food, and washing dishes. It also needs extra lighting under the cabinets and by the sink.
Bathrooms also need plenty of lighting to make bathing simpler and safer.
Install nightlights throughout the house and have plenty of lighting next to the bed. Additionally, have light switches easily accessible, keeping lamps close or utilizing adaptors that remotely turn lights on and off.
Ensure exterior walkways and stairs are also well-lit, working to prevent slip and fall accidents from occurring.
Home Safety
Although seniors need to safeguard their homes from falls, there are other types of home safety tips to consider. This includes ways to secure your home from intruders.
Consider the following.
Monitored Security Systems
There are a variety of monitored security systems to choose from, each with motion detection, glass break, window and door sensors, and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. These security systems offer seniors peace of mind in the event of suspicious activity. Some popular companies include:
- ADT
- Brinks
- Vivint
- SimpliSafe
- Cove
When using a security system to secure your home, seniors have the advantage of professionally monitored homes, 24/7. Should they detect unusual activity or if there’s an emergency, seniors can rest easy knowing authorities can easily be contacted.
Secure Door and Window Locks
Seniors should install new locks on all doors and windows, protecting their homes. This includes the installation of deadbolts, as they’re seen as more durable than standard locks.
Older adults might also want to install keyless entry systems. This means they won’t have to worry about keys or, if they lose them, can still enter their home with a code.
To protect windows, safe home practices include ensuring all locks work when the windows are closed. Fix any broken locks and install secondary locks on sliding glass doors to further protect homes and ensure seniors are living safely.
Ways to Live Safely at Home
Seniors looking to live safely at home should follow the elderly safety tips listed in this article. Most of these tips and tricks can be obtained on any budget, so look into implementing them today.
TerraBella Northridge has everything you need, including trips to local shops, restaurants, and even special events. Our community boasts plenty of amenities and exclusive programs, so feel free to contact us today to learn more. We’re even pet-friendly, welcoming you and your furry family members into our community!
