Safety Checks for Aging in Place

One of the biggest concerns when it comes to aging in place is generally safety. Families are concerned that their loved ones’ homes are not conducive to their needs as they get older and will pose a threat to their wellbeing. Tripping and falling are often prominent concerns. There are many small home modifications that you can make to increase safety and allow seniors to remain in their own home for as long as possible.

Handrails and grab bars: Ensure that there are handrails along every set of stairs and that they are securely fastened to the wall. In areas such as the bathroom, install grab bars near the shower and toilet to help with transitions such as standing, sitting, or stepping over the side of the bathtub.

Lighting: Add nightlights, motion sensors, or higher wattage bulbs to increase available lighting. This is especially important in hallways and interior rooms that do not get natural light and for when seniors are up at night and it is dark.

Secure cords and carpets: Make sure that cords for lights, electronics, and other devices are safely tucked away. You can use cable ties to bundle long cords together or affix them off to the side. Also secure the edges of carpets or rugs so that they do not roll up or shift out of position. These strategies can reduce the risk of tripping and falling.

Remove clutter: If your senior has a lot of knickknacks or belongings, make sure there is room for everything to be safely stored. Remove any objects blocking walkways or stairs, or that may topple and cause injury if bumped into.

Service appliances and heating/cooling systems: In an older home, there may be outdated or malfunctioning appliances. Check all cords and wires for signs of fraying or wear. Make sure that the refrigerator, stove, and water heater are maintaining proper temperatures. Have the heating and cooling system inspected to ensure they are in proper working order and do not pose any health risks. Malfunctioning systems can emit carbon monoxide. Regularly check the batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.

Improve ease of access to common areas: This could include rearranging furniture to widen walkways, replacing doorknobs with handles, installing ramps, or making other modifications. Regularly evaluate your senior’s ability to open and close drawers and doors, work the buttons on appliances, and simply complete daily tasks. Look for ways to make these tasks easier and safer.

Planning ahead can help you to integrate modifications that support aging in place ahead of time. Stay alert to your senior’s changing needs, mobility, and function. This will allow you to continue making adjustments as necessary. In-home care can also support aging in place by assisting with daily tasks and promoting safety and wellbeing. Being proactive when it comes to home safety can reduce the risk of trips, falls, and other injuries.