5 Tips For A Safer Home For Seniors

For many, age can change how people approach daily life. For seniors, living safely at home can become a huge adjustment. Nearly 90% of individuals over age 65 want to stay in their home for as long as possible according to a research report by the National Conference of State Legislatures and the AARP Public Policy Institute. 80% of seniors believe their current residence is where they will always live.

In order for seniors to stay in their current homes, safety needs to become a priority. By adding safety features now, you may be able to help your parent live comfortably at home for a long time. Here are some key safety features to add to an elderly loved one’s home to help create a stable environment for senior living now and for years to come.

1. Add advanced and brighter lighting.

1 out of 3 adults aged 65 or older falls each year. Those accidents often have major consequences. Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries in adults age 65 and older.

To prevent slips, start by checking the lights in your parent’s home. Dim lighting can lead to potentially dangerous falls. Put night lights in hallways, stairwells, and bathrooms and either ask your loved one if there are other areas of the home where they have trouble seeing or watch walk around their home to detect other areas where you believe more lighting is needed.

2. Ensure floors are safe.

To avoid slippery floors, start by surveying each room. Securely tape down rugs or get rid of buckling carpets. Clear clutter that could cause tripping, including electrical or phone cords. Check that the pathway from the bed to the bathroom is obstacle-free. Also, add non-slip mats in areas that can be prone to wetness, such as the bathroom and kitchen. For stairs, treads placed on steps might help improve traction. Outdoors, make sure any sidewalks or driveways are smooth and even. Another option is anti-slip coatings that can be applied to the floor just like a paint or a finish.

3. Add fire prevention systems in the kitchen.

With age comes momentary forgetfulness or more serious memory-related issues such as dementia. To help prevent hazards in the kitchen, such as fires started when a burner is left on, there are a number of options. You might consider temperature-controlled cookware or systems that automatically turn off stoves and ovens. If cooking becomes a difficult task, it may be time to simply avoid the stove altogether.

Besides preparing meals, there are other options for eating and drinking. A few to consider: a travel mug for carrying hot beverages, lightweight or plastic dishes, and nonslip placemats for the table or on a countertop so that small appliances, such as a coffee pot maker, don’t slide around.

4. Install a Medical Response System.

Medical alert devices have come a long way since those memorable commercials we’re familiar with. Rather than offering a call button to an elderly person who has fallen and can’t get up, these systems now come with features such as GPS technology. High-end models may have fall-detection technology as well. If your senior experiences a heart attack or is knocked unconscious, a call is automatically triggered. The emergency response system can be especially beneficial for a senior who lives alone.

5. Make your bathroom fall-proof.

Falls in the bathroom often happen at night, especially if a person takes certain medications or is especially groggy. Grab bars are a good starting point to increase safety. In fact, installing grab bars, handrails, or both is probably the most common home safety modification made by seniors.

Also, look into getting a high-rise toilet. In the shower, consider putting in a shower chair and replacing wall-mounted shower heads with hand-held ones. More elaborate modifications, such as walk-in bathtubs, may be a good fit for seniors who find it difficult to step into the tub.

Before you install any equipment, make sure you assess the unique needs of your loved one. In addition, talking to your parent, a doctor, caregiver, or occupational therapist can help evaluate current and future needs. Alma Health Skilled Services offers in-home assessments to make your loved ones home a safer place! Contact us today.

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    [post_content] => For many, age can change how people approach daily life. For seniors, living safely at home can become a huge adjustment. Nearly 90% of individuals over age 65 want to stay in their home for as long as possible according to a research report by the National Conference of State Legislatures and the AARP Public Policy Institute. 80% of seniors believe their current residence is where they will always live.

In order for seniors to stay in their current homes, safety needs to become a priority. By adding safety features now, you may be able to help your parent live comfortably at home for a long time. Here are some key safety features to add to an elderly loved one's home to help create a stable environment for senior living now and for years to come.



1. Add advanced and brighter lighting.

1 out of 3 adults aged 65 or older falls each year. Those accidents often have major consequences. Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries in adults age 65 and older.

To prevent slips, start by checking the lights in your parent's home. Dim lighting can lead to potentially dangerous falls. Put night lights in hallways, stairwells, and bathrooms and either ask your loved one if there are other areas of the home where they have trouble seeing or watch walk around their home to detect other areas where you believe more lighting is needed.

2. Ensure floors are safe.

To avoid slippery floors, start by surveying each room. Securely tape down rugs or get rid of buckling carpets. Clear clutter that could cause tripping, including electrical or phone cords. Check that the pathway from the bed to the bathroom is obstacle-free. Also, add non-slip mats in areas that can be prone to wetness, such as the bathroom and kitchen. For stairs, treads placed on steps might help improve traction. Outdoors, make sure any sidewalks or driveways are smooth and even. Another option is anti-slip coatings that can be applied to the floor just like a paint or a finish.

3. Add fire prevention systems in the kitchen.

With age comes momentary forgetfulness or more serious memory-related issues such as dementia. To help prevent hazards in the kitchen, such as fires started when a burner is left on, there are a number of options. You might consider temperature-controlled cookware or systems that automatically turn off stoves and ovens. If cooking becomes a difficult task, it may be time to simply avoid the stove altogether.

Besides preparing meals, there are other options for eating and drinking. A few to consider: a travel mug for carrying hot beverages, lightweight or plastic dishes, and nonslip placemats for the table or on a countertop so that small appliances, such as a coffee pot maker, don't slide around.

4. Install a Medical Response System.

Medical alert devices have come a long way since those memorable commercials we're familiar with. Rather than offering a call button to an elderly person who has fallen and can't get up, these systems now come with features such as GPS technology. High-end models may have fall-detection technology as well. If your senior experiences a heart attack or is knocked unconscious, a call is automatically triggered. The emergency response system can be especially beneficial for a senior who lives alone.

5. Make your bathroom fall-proof.

Falls in the bathroom often happen at night, especially if a person takes certain medications or is especially groggy. Grab bars are a good starting point to increase safety. In fact, installing grab bars, handrails, or both is probably the most common home safety modification made by seniors.

Also, look into getting a high-rise toilet. In the shower, consider putting in a shower chair and replacing wall-mounted shower heads with hand-held ones. More elaborate modifications, such as walk-in bathtubs, may be a good fit for seniors who find it difficult to step into the tub.

Before you install any equipment, make sure you assess the unique needs of your loved one. In addition, talking to your parent, a doctor, caregiver, or occupational therapist can help evaluate current and future needs. Alma Health Skilled Services offers in-home assessments to make your loved ones home a safer place! Contact us today.
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