A home is more than just four walls and a roof. It is a place of comfort and cherished memories. That's why most older adults, about 77% in fact, want to remain in their own homes as they age. This choice is lovingly called aging in place.
However, as the years go by, the body changes. What once felt like second nature, like walking up stairs or getting in and out of the shower, becomes difficult. This increases the risk of accidents.
The most common and dangerous threat is falls. In fact, older adults are 6 times more likely than younger people to require emergency room treatment after a fall.
Fires are another major risk. Older people are 3.5 times more likely to die in fires than the general population. Drowning is also a threat. About 300 older adults die from drowning each year.
You can, however, reduce the risk if you make a few thoughtful adjustments. Here, we'll share how you can create a safe home environment for your elderly relatives.
1. Start with a Home Safety Assessment
A home safety assessment is the best way to start. The goal is to spot dangers before they cause an accident. This approach is an investment; it pays off in the form of avoided hospital visits and injuries.
Walk through the house room by room, preferably with your elderly relative, and look at everything through their eyes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides a helpful checklist for this purpose. You can refer to it to make sure you don't miss anything.
However, if you plan to opt for personal home care services for your senior family member, complete the assessment alongside the agency.
According to Stay at Home Homecare, in-home agency caregivers encourage seniors to participate in daily activities to maintain their independence and a sense of normalcy. This is why they can notice risks that may be easy for family members to miss, like furniture placement or uneven flooring. Care providers can also suggest additional adjustments tailored to your loved one's needs.
2. Clear the Clutter and Open Up Walkways
A messy home is more than just an eyesore. For older adults, clutter is a major safety hazard. A study published in PMC reveals that excessive levels of clutter can increase the risk of falls, making it more difficult for older adults to live independently.
Focus on key areas first. Clear paths in hallways and entryways. Keep staircases completely clear of all items. This includes shoes or books.
Rearrange furniture to create clear paths. There should be enough room to move freely. Don't forget to remove tripping hazards from walkways. This includes electrical cords and phone wires that stretch across the floor. Coil them close to the wall.
Throw rugs or small scatter rugs are also a major danger. Remove them entirely or secure them to the floor with double-sided tape.
3. Install Grab Bars in Bathrooms
The bathroom is often the most dangerous room because it has wet, slippery surfaces. Grab bars are an easy and effective way to increase safety and independence. They are an important safety rail that provides a secure grip for stability.
Place them in the highest-risk areas, such as the inside and outside the shower or tub. A grab bar is also very helpful when lowering down to or getting up from the toilet.
The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards for accessible design require grab bars to support a minimum of 250 pounds. But for your peace of mind, we would advise going for even higher weight capacity.
4. Make Stairs Senior-Friendly
Stairs are another common source of accidents. If your elderly relative must use stairs daily, make them as safe as possible.
Install bright lights at both the top and bottom, and consider motion-sensor options for added convenience. Handrails should be sturdy and extend the full length of the staircase on both sides if possible.
Check the steps themselves. Worn carpeting, loose boards, or uneven risers can increase the risk of tripping. Adding non-slip treads or contrasting strips to each step can also help with visibility, especially for someone with declining eyesight. If the stairs still feel unsafe, consider installing stair lifts. Or relocate them to the ground floor.
Creating a safe home for an elderly loved one is one of the most important things you can do. These changes promote independence and dignity while providing peace of mind for everyone in the family.
The best part? Most of these modifications benefit everyone, regardless of age. After all, we are all getting older, and planning ahead just makes good sense.
