10 Tips for Keeping the Elderly Safe at Home

As we grow older, we face unique safety challenges both within and outside our homes. The increased risk factors are mainly due to physical, cognitive, and environmental factors that increase an older person’s vulnerability compared to when they were younger.
Homecare Gurus improve safety and comfort for the elderly at home
Homecare Gurus: Ensuring Safety and Comfort
Keeping our seniors safe can greatly enhance their emotional well-being, their quality of life, and their overall health. At Homecare Gurus, we often use our initial consultation to advise clients on how best to make their homes a safe and comfortable place. To reduce risks of falls, injuries, and other emergencies, here are our top 10 tips for home safety for the elderly.

1.      Remove Tripping Hazards

For persons over 65 years of age, falling tops the causes of most injuries within their homes. The elderly are especially prone to falling because of the effects of ageing such as decreased levels of coordination, poor balance, declining eyesight, and decreased flexibility.

2.      Declutter All Spaces

Clutter in the home includes toys, board games, or pet dishes strewn across floors and furniture. Keep everything in their proper place, away from paths and common areas.

3.      Remove Throw Rugs

Loose, unanchored rugs, mats, and carpets are major causes of slipping and tripping. The danger increases if these loose rugs are placed on slippery or uneven surfaces. Bunching up or bulking can also cause tripping. To reduce the chances of slipping and tripping, remove all loose rugs and replace them with rugs made with non-slip backings. You can also use fitted rugs or wall-to-wall carpets that don’t bunch up.

4.      Provide Adequate Lighting

Poor lighting can mean light that’s either too dim or too bright. It may also mean light fixtures that are poorly placed. For example, a light bulb that causes a glare right at the bottom of the stairs may blind someone who’s trying to climb upstairs. When the light is too dim, it may cause blind spots or obscure obstacles or protrusions. Light that’s too bright may cause glare or even temporary blindness, especially for people living with poor eyesight. Check that all light fixtures are properly placed and provide adequate light without being overwhelming to the eye.

5.      Remove Loose Cabling

Loose wires not only create an unsightly mess but are also potential trip hazards. To enhance safety at home, you can:
  • Increase the number of power outlets to reduce instances of appliances being plugged far from where they’re being used
  • Keep appliances unplugged when they’re not in use
  • Run cables along walls or under solid objects, such as sofas and beds
  • Tidy up loose cables with cover strips and cable tidies
  • Where cables can’t be hidden out of the way, include some signage and extra lighting to highlight the potential hazard

6.      Install Grab Bars

Grab bars help to improve a person’s balance, coordination, and flexibility. The stairs, bathrooms, and areas with slippery floors are especially hazardous for older persons.
  • Install grab bars and bathing stools inside shower stalls and near the toilet
  • Add railings on stairways and in corridors
  • Install hip-level rails and fixed ladders in kitchens and home libraries
  • Add railings in dressing areas and walk-in closets

7.      Promote Kitchen Safety

Kitchen Safety
As we age, rooms such as the kitchen become more difficult to navigate. Besides falls, the risk of burns and other fire accidents has become a major concern. Some steps to promote safety in the kitchen include:
  • Clearing flammable objects away from stoves and ovens
  • Clearing counters and floors of clutter and unused appliances
  • Carting away any wheeled items to locked positions
  • Keeping frequently used utensils within easy reach
  • Upgrading appliances to newer models, which are easier to use and have automatic shutoffs

8.      Incorporate Safety Technology

Smart technology can go a long way to enhance safety in the home, especially for seniors. Technology for older persons is designed differently than for other demographics. For example, they are often made with easier-to-navigate interfaces, larger buttons, and voice activation commands. Some ways to use technology for safety include:
  • Installing emergency alert systems
  • Adjusting volumes of devices so even the hard of hearing don’t miss alerts.
  • Add more hands-free devices
  • Add motion sensors
  • Include automated health monitoring systems
  • Simplify two-way video communication

9.      Improve Bathroom and Toilet Accessibility

Toilets, shower stalls, and bathtubs can be hazardous places for anyone, especially elderly persons. The bathroom’s hard surfaces and wet or slippery floors, combined with the need for climbing in and out of tight spaces, further increase the risks of injury. To improve bathroom safety:
  • Install grab bars and safety rails
  • Use anti-slip mats
  • Add a shower chair
  • Raise the toilet to a comfortable, more accessible height
  • Keep towels and soaps in easy-access areas
  • Adjust water temperatures to the client’s preference and set that as the default
  • Install a help button or a tethered bell that’s easily accessible for emergencies

10. Organize Medications

Prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and dietary supplements can help the elderly live healthier lifestyles. However, mismanaging medication can lead to health and safety risks. To reduce medication self-administration errors:
  • Maintain a detailed medication list and an easy-to-follow dosing schedule
  • Use pill organizers with compartments for each time of day the client is supposed to take a pill
  • Set reminders on a smartphone or use smart speakers
  • Dedicate a spot for medication, especially if it involves injections. This could be by the bedside or in the corner of the living room
  • Secure medications away from other residents in the house but easily accessible to the user
When caring for elderly people, safety precautions are important. This is especially helpful for promoting independent living and inspiring residents to thrive to their full potential. Our top 10 tips cover most of the critical areas to check. These are mostly easy and inexpensive ways to make the home safer. For more information, call us to book a consultation on how our care workers can help enhance safety for your loved ones.