Home Safety Tips For Seniors

• Many older adults want to age in place, meaning they stay in their own homes as they grow older. This helps older adults maintain a sense of independence and well-being.

• Older adults need to keep home safety top of mind, especially if living independently.

• Making adjustments to their homes, as well as adhering to best safety practices, will ensure they age in place safely and prevent serious injury.

Whether someone has an aging family member or if they are an older adult themselves, many current or future senior citizens want to ​“age in place.” This means that they get to stay in their own home as they age, as opposed to moving to an assisted living facility.

However, at the same time, many also have concerns about living alone in regards to their safety, transportation, and other daily tasks and activities. After all, living alone comes with its own set of risks, especially for elderly adults who may not have the physical and/​or mental capabilities they once had.

In order to age in place safely, elderly Americans should set up their home for success. They can do so by adhering to best home safety practices and planning to make changes to their living environment. 

This article will explain various modifications to make to one’s home if they plan to age in place, as well as general senior safety tips for living independently as an elderly person.

According to a May 2022 study from the U.S. Census Bureau, less than 10 percent of American homes are equipped for aging in place. To be considered ​“aging-ready,” a home would need to have a step-free entryway, a first-floor bathroom and bedroom, and one accessibility feature in the bathroom (i.e. grab bar or shower seat).

In addition to these guidelines, the following home modifications can help make living at home safer: 

Install Grab Bars 

Grab bars should be near the toilet or in the bathtub or shower. 

Remove Area Rugs & Throw Rugs

This will help prevent falls. As well, ensure that carpeting is properly affixed to the floor. 

Replace Handles

Swap out handles on doors or faucets with ones that are more comfortable to grab. For example, lever handles can be easier to hold.

Install a Ramp to the Front Door (If Necessary)

If you have to, install a ramp instead of having stairs leading up to your home. 

Ensure Home Has Adequate Lighting 

Install light switches at both the top and bottom of the stairs. Don’t forget to use night lights as well. This will help prevent falls.

Use a Raised Toilet Seat

This can help make standing up from the toilet easier.

Use a Waterproof Seat in the Bath or Shower

This will also help prevent falls. 

The most common accidents that elderly people experience are falls, burns, and poisoning. In order to lower fall risks, prevent burns, and avoid poisoning, there are a number of steps that can be taken.

How To Lower Fall Risks

• Consider wearing a medical alert bracelet 

• Wear non-slip shoes that fit correctly

• Use a cane or walker if needed (avoid holding onto furniture) 

How To Prevent Burns And Fires

• Replace appliances with frayed electrical cords

• Install a smoke detector (and make sure it has working batteries twice a year)

• Prevent scalding by setting the thermostat of the water heater to no higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit 

• Have a fire extinguisher handy but call 911 in the event of a fire

• Avoid wearing loose sleeves and clothing while cooking

How To Avoid Poisoning 

• Keep medications in original packaging to avoid confusion and potential mix-ups

• Install a carbon monoxide detector (make sure it has working batteries at least twice a year) 

In addition to making physical changes in the home, there are general home safety tips to keep in mind. These include knowing emergency numbers, keeping sensitive information secure, and more.

Know Emergency Numbers 

This includes family members and loved ones that would be called in an emergency in addition to healthcare providers, poison control, and other emergency phone numbers.

Carry A Cordless Phone

Instead of taking the extra risk of racing to answer a landline, it’s more convenient and safe to carry a cordless phone or cell phone for calls.

Protect Sensitive Information

This includes social security numbers, bank account information, credit card numbers, etc. Never share this information online or on the phone.

To live alone as an elderly person, a number of considerations must be taken into account. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), the top concerns for elderly adults planning to live alone include: 

• Transportation: For many older adults, driving becomes a safety concern. However, there are a number of resources available to help the elderly get to where they need to go including Oak Street Health’s own shuttle or through Eldercare.

• Social Life: Staying connected is important at any age, but particularly for older people. Joining community groups via Area Agencies on Aging or living in a 50+ community are just two ways to keep your social life strong.

• Housing: Getting financial assistance for home modifications may be possible. NIH recommends contacting the local Area Agency on Aging, state housing finance agency, welfare department, community development groups, or the federal government.

• Daytime Help or Care: Get help from a relative or caretaker. Temporary respite care is also an option.

Thankfully, many of these areas of concern can be addressed adequately, so long as they are planned for in advance.

There are a number of great resources and services for elderly people who live independently. 

• Administration for Community Living (ACL): ACL is all about integrating older adults and people with disabilities into their communities. ACL provides services, research, and education to its members to help make living independently easier. Learn more about ACL’s program offerings here.

• AARP: AARP is a nonprofit organization that provides resources for elderly people, empowering them to make their own decisions as they age.

• American Society on Aging (ASA): ASA is an organization that supports and advocates for older adults. ASA’s mission is to improve the process of aging through education and skills advancement.

• National Association of Area Agencies on Aging: The National Association of Area Agencies on Aging provides advocacy and resources and services for older adults.