When it comes to home safety for seniors, falls top the list of concerns. A simple accident like tripping on a rug or slipping on a wet floor can be life-altering, according to the National Institute on Aging. For older people, a broken bone can lead to more serious health problems and long-term disability.
To make matters worse, many people who have fallen become afraid of falling, which causes them to decrease their everyday activities. When a person is less active, they become weaker, which creates a vicious cycle that increases their chances of falling again.
An estimated one out of five falls causes injuries severe enough to make it hard for a person to get around, do everyday activities or live on their own. Fall prevention strategies and a safe home environment can help seniors maintain their independence for as long as possible.
Home Safety Measures for the Elderly
Falls frequently happen at home, and it’s wise to check a senior’s living environment room-by-room for common hazards. Here are some top recommendations for where to start:
- Living areas. Clear floors and hallways of clutter, throw rugs, electrical cords, small furniture and other trip hazards.
- Stairs. Make sure that railings are installed on both sides of stairs. Add nonslip treads on hardwood steps and create visual contrast between steps when possible. Ensure the lighting is sufficiently bright; place light switches at the top and bottom of the stairs and use nightlights.
- Kitchen. Eliminate clutter and put essential items within easy reach. Consider installing smoke alarms that use strobe lights and vibrators in addition to sound. Investigate using devices that automatically shut off appliances after a period of inactivity.
- Bathroom. Make the shower or tub safer by installing grab bars, rubber mats, a sturdy plastic shower seat and a handheld nozzle for bathing while sitting down. Install grab bars near toilets and use a toilet with a raised seat or armrests.
Assistive Devices Can Improve Seniors’ Safety
Seniors can talk to their doctors about supportive accessories and devices that can make them safer when they’re at home or on the go. Options to discuss include:
- Appropriate footwear that offers proper support and nonslip soles
- Canes, walkers and wheelchairs
- Wearable alarm buttons
- Vision and hearing devices
Families and loved ones often step in and help a senior identify and eliminate home safety hazards. A professional caregiver who visits the senior regularly is also able to notice and address potential issues before they become problems. If you have concerns about the safety of an elderly loved one who lives in the Atlanta area, please don’t hesitate to call Kadan Homecare at 770-396-8997 or email info@kadan.org for a complimentary consultation.
