Simple Solutions to Ensure A Safe Home for Aging Adults

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Nearly one third of senior adults are making their homes with their children, other family members, or other adults, and the trend continues to rise. Ensuring a safe and comfortable living environment becomes increasingly important as individuals age. With the right products and modifications, you can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and enhance the overall safety of your home, especially if there is a senior living with you. This article presents a curated list of essential features and products that help create a safer home for aging adults.

These products are designed to improve accessibility, prevent falls, and enhance daily living for seniors who experience changes in their physical capabilities and cognitive functions. The goal is to increase safety, independence, and comfort. Here are some guidelines on how to make your home safer:

HOME SAFETY & SECURITY

  • Install an automatic stove shut-off device to prevent fires by shutting off the stove if the smoke alarm is detected. You may also want to consider using an automatic shut-off kettle.
  • Always keep a fire extinguisher and/or fire blankets nearby.
  • Medical alert systems provide peace of mind, enabling seniors to call for emergency help. These devices, often worn as pendants or bracelets, connect users to a 24/7 monitoring center or 911 at the push of a button.

Create an easily understood plan for emergencies. This might include keeping emergency numbers in large print next to every phone, installing a medical alert system, or arranging a check-in system with a family member or neighbor. Consider using a personal alarm system that can be used to call for help in case of a fall or other emergency.

REDUCE FALLS
According to the CDC, more than 1 out of 4 older adults fall each year, and 1 out of 5 accidents cause a serious injury. You can help reduce both accidents and injuries by removing interior and exterior tripping hazards:

  • Remove clutter, loose rugs, electrical cords, or any other obstacles from walkways.
  • Install non-slip rugs for bathroom floors and non-slip water-friendly tub mats to help in slippery areas. Remove or secure loose rugs while you’re at it.
  • Bed rails provide stability and support when getting in and out of bed. These safety accessories can prevent falls and offer a sense of security during sleep.
  • Install permanent grab bars in the bathroom near the toilet, in the shower, or around the bathtub to provide support and prevent falls. You can also add an easy-to-install suction grab bar inside the shower to help stand or get in or out.

KEEP IT BRIGHT
Make sure that all areas of the home are well-lit, especially at night, to increase visibility and prevent accidents. Consider using motion-activated lighting for easy navigation during the night for hallways, bedrooms, and bathrooms.

MAKE IT ACCESSIBLE
Ensure everyday items are within easy reach and avoid placing items on high shelves or in low cabinets. Commonly used items should be placed at easy-to-reach heights to avoid strain from reaching or bending.

  • Always make sure that heavy items are not stored in high places and sharp objects are safely stored.
  • Lever-Style Door Handles make opening doors much easier. Lever handles require less dexterity and strength, making them more accessible for aging hands.
  • Reach extenders are long-handled tools designed to assist with reaching objects placed high or low. These handy tools enable seniors to access items without straining or endangering themselves.

KEEP THE BATHROOM SAFE

  • A shower chair allows aging individuals to bathe independently and comfortably. With adjustable heights and sturdy construction, these chairs provide stability and reduce the chances of accidents in the shower.
  • Toilets with raised seats make it easier for seniors to sit down and stand up, alleviating knee strain and reducing the risk of falls in the bathroom.
  • Installing anti-scald devices in showers and faucets helps regulate water temperature, reducing the risk of burns and ensuring comfortable bathing experiences. Watch a short video here to learn how it works with Delta faucets.
  • Although it does cost some money to convert it, you should consider changing your existing bathtub to a walk-in shower.

TEMPERATURE CONTROLS
Make sure that the home temperature can be easily regulated. Older adults often feel colder, so a programmable thermostat can help maintain a comfortable and steady temperature in the home.

HOME MAINTENANCE
Keep the home in good repair to prevent accidents. This would include fixing loose floorboards, ensuring that all lights work properly, and making sure that doors and windows open quickly as they’re supposed to.

A LITTLE HELP WITH EVERYDAY LIVING

  • Depending on the person’s physical condition, devices such as walking canes, wheelchairs, or a walker with a seat can be helpful. These devices should be kept nearby in easily accessible areas. Be sure to set up a special area to keep them stored nearby.
  • Doorway threshold ramps eliminate tripping hazards by smoothing out transitions between different flooring surfaces. They are especially useful for individuals using mobility aids like walkers or wheelchairs.
  • Use pill organizers to keep track of daily medications and reduce the risk of overdosing or missing doses.
  • For multi-story homes, stairlifts offer a safe and convenient way for aging adults to move between floors. If your senior adult is going to be living in your house for an extended period, these motorized chairs glide smoothly along the staircase, eliminating the need for climbing stairs. A good alternative is to arrange for a bedroom on the first floor for your senior to avoid stairs.
  • Cordless phones with large buttons and amplified sound provide convenient communication for aging adults. These phones allow users to stay connected and to call for help if needed, even when mobility is limited.

KEEP IT SMART
Smart home devices, such as voice-activated assistants, smart thermostats, and automated lighting systems, allow aging adults to easily control their home environment, reducing the need for physical exertion.

Creating a safe and comfortable living environment for aging adults is paramount. By incorporating these essential products and features into your home environment, you can greatly reduce the risk of accidents, enhance accessibility, and promote the well-being of seniors. Remember that every person is unique and may require different accommodations. So, it’s important to involve the aging adult in these decisions and, if necessary, consult with an occupational therapist or other professionals who can provide personalized advice based on the individual’s needs.