Home Safety Tips for Seniors
Did you know that at least 90% of homeowners who are approaching retirement prefer to stay in their homes as they grow older? With a growing number of retirees living independently, it’s increasingly crucial for families to know home safety tips for seniors. From preventing injuries to reducing fall risks, you can ensure their independence without having to worry. So, if you’re a senior living on your own or you’re someone who cares for seniors living alone, here’s what you can do to help them stay safe.
How Can We Keep the Elderly Safe at Home?
There are several senior safety protocols you should be aware of. But to help you out, we’ve compiled a list of the most important safety tips for seniors.
Remove Fall Hazards
Falls are a common cause of injuries for seniors. To reduce this risk, remove any fall hazards.
Take throw rugs, for instance. These might beautify a home, but most don’t have rubberized backings. Thus, it could cause a senior to slip because of the rug’s lack of grip on the floor. Clean up any clutter such as newspapers and littered clothes. Your loved ones should also wear non-slip footwear.
Next, consider any stairs around the home. You can look into stairlifts if necessary, but at minimum make sure all stair railings are secure.
Lastly, create a more open environment, as much as the floor plan allows. Doorways should be at least 32 inches across. This provides better maneuverability, especially for walkers and wheelchairs.
Keep Emergency Numbers on Hand
Always make sure that your loved ones can contact you or the authorities if needed. One of the most important safety tips for seniors is to keep emergency numbers on hand.
Ideally, the cell phones or telephones they have access to should also be easy to operate. Try out more basic models and see which works best for them. This is because excessive options can be confusing or overwhelming, especially in an emergency.
In addition, some seniors won’t easily remember emergency information. So, make it easy for your loved ones to call for help. For example, you can post a note in large font on the back of their phones. These should include emergency contacts, their professional caregiving service, their healthcare providers, and anyone else they might need at a moment’s notice.
Manage Fire Hazards
Another safety tip for the elderly at home is removing all fire hazards. Make it a habit to replace the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors regularly. Check the electric cords of all electrical appliances and change frayed or damaged cords. Remove candles from the home, which can start a fire if left unattended. You can swap out real candles with electric candles for the same effect with less risk.
Also, work with seniors to create a fire safety plan. This can help them get out of their home safely in the event of a fire. One tip is to stay low when exiting, which reduces the chance of smoke inhalation. You can also review the classic “stop, drop, and roll” tactic in case their clothes were to catch on fire.
Ensure Bathroom Safety
Bathrooms can be one of the riskiest places in an elderly person’s home. Falls and scalding are common concerns. It’s important to make this room a safe place for them.
Install grab bars beside the toilet and in the shower. Also, set the water heater temperature no higher than 120°F to prevent accidental burns. Place rubber mats in the bathtub or place a special bathing chair in the tub for seniors with mobility or strength issues.
If you are caring for a senior who shows symptoms of dementia, consider removing mirrors. Seeing an “unfamiliar” face looking back at them might cause them distress.
Check the Bedroom
The bedroom hides many potential risks. For instance, you don’t want to trap a resting senior, so replace sagging mattresses with firmer ones. A telescoping grab bar extending from the floor and ceiling will make it easier for the senior person to maneuver around. And instead of a bedroom doorknob, a single-lever is more convenient. They’ll just have to push the lever down to open the door.
Improve Lighting
It’s easy to get hurt if you can’t see where you’re going. Don’t forget to install new light fixtures to keep visibility ideal for people with failing vision. Regularly check in to replace burnt-out bulbs.
Revisit the Kitchen
Since the kitchen is the heart of the home, you need to make sure it’s safe for your loved ones. Place items at easily reachable heights. Or, you can provide a step stool to make it easier. Check out the refrigerator. Make sure that it’s clean and remove any stored foods that are past their expiration date.
In addition, add rubberized water faucet covers for the sink to make it easier to grip and turn. If you want to make using the sink even more convenient, you can replace the faucet handles with single-lever handles.
Install A Security System
Unfortunately, seniors are the ones most at risk for home burglaries. You need to have safety measures in place so that their homes remain protected. You can make use of a video surveillance system so that you won’t have to worry about trespassers.
With Deep Sentinel’s state-of-the-art system, you’ll have 24/7 live-monitored security cameras. Plus, the mobile app helps you check in on your loved one’s home from time to time. The system can also alert you or the authorities in case of a break-in or any other suspicious activity.
Other Safety Tips for Seniors
There’s plenty more you can do to keep your elderly loved one safe. What you choose will depend on the senior’s age, physical needs, and mental needs. Examples include ramps, intercoms, and medical alert devices. Check out this comprehensive senior safety guide from Porch for more ideas.
The Most Important Tip: Trust Deep Sentinel
If you’re looking for the best home surveillance on the market, check out Deep Sentinel. With a security monitoring service managed by real human guards 24/7, your loved ones will be in safe hands. Call 833.983.6006 for more information.