Reports shows that majority of falls in elderly occur at home. There are three areas at home that cause most accident for elders:
- Kitchen
- Bedroom
- Bathroom
To improve home safety for seniors in these specific areas, I gathered all the home safety tips you can use to eliminate potential dangerous situations. The following easy, low or no cost home safety modification tips can help make a home safer for elderly loved one:
Contents
Kitchen
This place holds the utensils, glasses, knife, etc. It’s one of the most dangerous places inside the house for elders but also one of the most important for them. Elders love kitchens! And we don’t want to stop them from enjoying this small space inside the house where they can fill their belly with the delicious foods they cook.
The elderly respond much less, leading to falls, fires and injury. Here are some ways to ensure senior safety in the kitchen:
- Clean work-space! Ensure that oil and grease do not build up on surfaces, and it’s clutter-free.
- Prioritize organizing the kitchen utensils, and ensure that knives are within reach and are keep in the right storage.
- Install bright lighting in the kitchen.
- Keep the cooking utensils to cabinets within reach.
- Install non-slip mats or rugs
- Inspect wiring, outlets, and smoke detectors at least every 3 months.
- Keep fire extinguisher in accessible area in the kitchen.
- Install fire alarms or smoke detector.
- When a stool is needed, ensure that you buy a lightweight, adjustable and with handle.
Bedroom
The bedroom can be a hazardous place if it is not properly set up. Every bedroom should be a safe haven not a danger zone. It can be challenging for older people to get into and out of bed as it requires flexibility and strength in different parts of the body.
Making the home safe is important for any senior who wants to age in place and stay in their home as long as possible. Here are simple tips to make your seniors bedroom safe:
- Check the bed is in right height.
- Provide a solid object to hold on to, a bedside table can help but you can install bed rails, security poles, and/ grab bars for sturdier foundation to grip.
- Keep a chair inside the bedroom for them to sit on if they are changing clothes or reading a book.
- Keep the bedroom tidy and clutter-free, especially if a walking assistance device is used.
- The bedroom lights should be easily accessible; you can install automatic nightlights or motion sensitive light.
- Keep the most-used item within reach.
- Install slip-resistance rug or mat.
Bathroom
Among the areas inside the house, bathroom is the most dangerous of all. Report shows that the most fall occur in the bathroom, it’s mostly wet and slippery that’s why you have to ensure that it’s safe for elderly.
Making a bathroom safe for seniors requires a number of safety checks; Here are some simple tips to make sure that your bathroom is safe for the elders to use.
- All clutter should be removed inside the bathroom.
- Non-slip rugs and bath and shower mats should always be used to help reduce the risk of falls even further.
- Soap, shampoo, conditioner, and other bathroom essentials should be stored within easy reach.
- Well-lit bathroom is essential, so that it is much easier to see hazards clearly, even at night.
- Ensure towel racks are sturdy, when taking a bath; you should place a shower chair in the shower/tub.
- In case the senior needs to grab for support, you can install grab bars, or security pole with grab bars.
- A raised toilet seat is beneficial when lowering him/herself and getting back up again.
It is important that you establish necessary precautions to avoid incidents inside the home of an elder. Prevention is a one time investment into the necessary elderly care products, whereas a fall from an elderly can be financially devastating. However, not all precautions can take measure, if your loved one still has trouble inside the house, an in-home caregiver or nurse may be the answer or better yet, you.
