Home Safety For Seniors

Home safety for seniors is an important part of aging in place. As more seniors opt to age in their own homes rather than in a nursing facility, families need to think through the needs of their loved ones and make changes to their home so it is safe for them.

Falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospitalizations and deaths for seniors, but there are steps that family members can take to minimize these risks. These changes may be small, but they can have a big impact on an older adult’s safety and comfort at home.





Fall Prevention

The first step in reducing the risk of falling is to perform a home safety assessment. police alarms This involves having a geriatric care manager, social worker or certified aging-in-place specialist come to your home and look for potential fall hazards.

For example, if you have wood or tile floors in your home and stairs that are not stair carpet, consider installing rubber treads. Also, remove loose rugs and runners that could be slippery.

Medications and Poisons

One of the most dangerous accidents that can happen to an older adult is accidental poisoning. To avoid this, install carbon monoxide detectors in the home, keep medications organized and labeled in their original containers, and always use medications as prescribed.

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Regularly test and change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are working properly and that you have an early warning in case of fire. These devices are especially useful for seniors who are more vulnerable to these hazards.