Making Home Safer for an Older Person: 7 Practical Tips

Making home safe for an older person can seem like a huge undertaking, but it’s necessary for the health and wellbeing of our seniors. According to the AARP Home and Community Preferences Survey, 77% of seniors want to stay in their own homes as they age. Still, many do not have the necessary safety features in place to do so. That’s why it’s crucial for us to understand the dangers that face our elderly loved ones and take active steps to mitigate them.

This article will outline seven practical steps you can take to increase senior home safety.

1. Have an emergency contact list in a visible place

One of the best ways to ensure your senior loved one’s safety is by having an emergency contact list with all of their important information. This should include things like their doctor’s name and number, the name and number of their closest family member or friend, and the address and phone number of their local hospital.

You should also make sure to keep a copy of this list in a safe place, like their wallet or purse, and share it with all of their caregivers.

2. Install grab bars and non-slip surfaces

One of the biggest dangers that seniors face in their homes is falling. This is why it’s important to install safety features like grab bars and non-slip surfaces in key areas around the house, like the bathroom and kitchen. Ensure that all rugs and carpets are secured to the floor, as senior citizens are more likely to trip on them.

3. Install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors

According to the National Fire Protection Association, fires kill more people each year than home accidents. That’s why it’s important to install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in your home and to make sure they are tested regularly.

You may also want to consider installing fire extinguishers in key areas around the house, like the kitchen and garage.

4. Create a senior safety kit

This is something that a senior can create on their own, but it’s often helpful if they have a family member or caregiver help them with this.

The senior safety kit should include things like bandages and gauze, antibiotic ointment, aspirin or ibuprofen (if appropriate), an emergency flashlight (with extra batteries), and an emergency whistle.

It’s also essential to make sure the senior has a plan for where they will store this kit so it is easily accessible in case of an emergency.

5. Install a stair-chair lift

If your senior loved one has difficulty climbing stairs, consider installing a stair chair lift. This will allow them to safely and efficiently navigate between floors in their home. Stair chair lifts are also a great way to add mobility and independence to your senior loved one’s life.

6. Modify your bathroom

As we get older, our bodies change in many ways. This can make it challenging to use the bathroom safely. That’s why senior safety experts recommend installing grab bars and non-slip surfaces in your senior loved one’s home.

In addition, it’s important to make sure that there is a nightlight in their bathroom so they can see at night and reduce their risk of falling.

7. Install motion sensor lights

One of the best ways to help your senior loved one feel safe and secure in their home is by installing motion sensor lights. These will light up when someone enters the room, providing a sense of security and easing any feelings of being unsafe.

Wrapping Up

Making a home safer for an older person can seem like a daunting task, but by following the tips outlined in this article, you can make your senior loved one’s life much easier and safer. Remember to be patient and take things one step at a time – Rome wasn’t built in a day!

About Diana R.

Diana R. has written 1 posts in this blog.

Diana R. is the business community manager at Basement Guides, a perfect place for all basement-related problems and projects. She helps spread the word about useful and updated guides for anyone interested in basements and restoration.