Having our loved ones who are seniors age in place with home safety is a gift. We can surround them with familiar sights, sounds, people, and routines. And you get the peace of mind of knowing they’re where they want to be.
Part of keeping your senior home means keeping them safe and free from injuries so they can remain home instead of a hospital or rehabilitation center. Home safety for seniors is essential, as the risk of falling increases with age due to the following:
- Decreased muscle mass
- Side effects from medications
- Dizziness from standing up
- Weakness from an illness
- Problems with balance
We can’t stop our loved ones from aging, but we can do our best to provide them with a safe environment to help them feel comfortable and secure. The best first step to seeing if your home is safe for your senior is to walk from room to room and see things through new eyes.
As you look around, be mindful of any areas that could threaten your senior’s balance. You might need to reconsider areas in your home that have not caused issues for you but could potentially create tripping or falling hazards for your senior.
Clutter
None of us has a spotless home, and that’s not the goal here. Inspect your house and see if there are areas that you could declutter. Things such as a pile of shoes on the floor or a stack of newspapers by a chair can be tripping hazards. Slipping on a shoe might seem harmless, but for a senior, it could throw them off balance, potentially causing a severe injury.
If your senior uses a walker, be sure pathways are wide enough with plenty of room to spare, so they can move about freely without bumping into anything.
Area Rugs
Welcome mats and area rugs are common causes of tripping for seniors. It is easy to slip on the rug or trip and fall if it gets bunched up. The best action plan is to remove all area rugs in your home to protect your senior. Ensure all wall-to-wall carpeting is in good condition with no loose areas or buckling.
Slippery Floors
Avoid waxing your non-carpeted floors. Wash your floors when your senior will not walk through that room. Please take caution when spraying cooking oil, dusting spray, or sunscreen indoors, as they can land on a floor and create a very slippery surface.
Electrical Cords
Tuck all electrical cords out of the way. If a cord reaches across a room, find another setup, so your rooms are free of any cords or cables that could be dangerous. Putting a plastic cover over your cords on the carpet still presents a tripping hazard. It would be best to tuck cords neatly against the wall behind furniture far from walkways.
Bathroom Safety
Falls often occur in the bathroom during daily hygiene. Attach grip bars in your bathtub and set up a shower chair. Install a non-slip mat in and outside the shower and a toilet riser so your senior can easily care for themselves and feel in control and secure.
Your loved one might not feel comfortable with all these changes. They might tell you not to make a fuss over them. Be patient and have a conversation that makes them feel empowered and respected. Remind them it is your honor and privilege to care for them in the best way possible by providing a safe home for everyone.
Need help evaluating and making your home safe? At Housen Homecare, we can help! Let us make life easier for you and your senior vet!
