According to an AARP survey, 77% of adults 50 years and older prefer to age in their own home long term. On top of that, the population of elderly in the United States continues to grow.
With the growing number of elderly and that high percentage of seniors preferring to age in their own home, the need for home security and safety for the elderly is significantly important. Home Safety for the elderly covers a wide range of topics. Let's discuss some of them.
Home Safety Checklist for the Elderly
There are lots of risk factors that prove to be dangerous for seniors living alone. Seniors and families should be aware of fall prevention, fire prevention, home security, and other ways to ensure comprehensive safety for seniors living independently.
You can use this post as a checklist for you or a loved one's home to ensure comprehensive safety.
Fall prevention
Replace stairs into the home with a ramp with handrails.
Ensure all area rugs are securely fastened to the ground to prevent a tripping hazard.
Carpets should not be lifting from the floor below or wrinkling.
Place nonslip strips or placemats in areas where the floor may get wet (kitchen, bathroom, exits).
Lighting throughout the home should be good to prevent tripping hazards on stairs or things you cannot see.
Bathroom Safety
Install grab bars next to toilets and in showers/tubs.
Use nonslip floor mats in front of showers/tubs and sinks.
Set a limit on the water heater to prevents scalding temperatures.
If needed, research and have special toilets, showers, or tubs installed to prevent falls or slips.
Fire Prevention
Replace batteries in smoke detectors and be sure they work properly.
Be aware of fraying or damaged cords that may need replacement.
Refrain from plugging lots of cords into one power strip or socket.
Wear appropriate clothing while cooking to keep clothing from catching fire over hot stoves or ovens.
Do not smoke in the house.
Set a timer on heaters/fireplaces or set reminders to turn them off after long periods of time.
In the event of a fire, call 911 and get out of the house.
Home Security for Seniors Living Independently
Lock all doors, windows, or other entrances at nighttime or whenever you leave the house.
Install a security system.
Research doorbells with cameras, so you can see visitors at the door.
Share access with family or a close friend for an extra layer of safety.
Do not let anyone in the house if you were not expecting them or do not know them well.
Lock guns away in a safe.
Keep important documents (passports, SSN card, marriage documents, birth certificates, etc.) in a locked filing cabinet or safe.
Keep a list of emergency numbers on the refrigerator door in case of emergency.
Be sure carbon monoxide monitors work properly.
Do not use ovens or stoves to heat the home to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Keep medication organized and pay attention to expiration dates.
Contact your doctor if your medication expires.
Do not share personal information over the phone or computer with strangers.
Banks, trusts, and other professionals will contact you from their dedicated phone number and most of the time require a passkey.
Talk with family or a friend before making large purchases, signing a contract, or any large decision.
To conclude, home safety and security for seniors living independently covers a wide range of topics. These can all be difficult to remember and, especially in the case of an emergency, are easily forgotten. The information in this post can act as a home safety checklist for elderly living independently to be sure you are set up for success.
Most importantly, keep the contact information of all emergency services and a close family member or friend available at all times to contact if needed.
If you still feel lost when it comes to home safety, Care Management or a Comprehensive Home Safety Assessment may be right for you. Visit our services page to learn more about each of these.
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