5 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.

Aging in place is an attractive option as seniors age. This means that they get to stay in their own home as they age, as opposed to moving to an assisted living facility. 

However, many also have safety concerns about living alone, 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. 

Falls are the leading cause of death in those ages 65 and over, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. ​“In 2011, nearly 23,000 people over age 65 died, and 2.4 million were treated in emergency departments because of falls.” 

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.

According to a May 2020 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, in the bathtub, or in the shower. 
 

Remove Area Rugs & Throw Rugs

Removing loose rugs 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.

Ensure Home Has Good 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 Rubber Mats in the Bath or Shower

This will prevent slipping.

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. 

Note: If you’re unsure of the best ways to improve safety in your or your loved one’s home, you can contact an occupational therapist to have a home assessment done. The occupational therapist can then make recommendations for changes.
 

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) in accordance with guidelines from the National Fire Protection Association.
• 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 clothing, such as long flowing sleeves, 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 and test them weekly)

It can be beneficial to have emergency products in place for peace of mind and easier access to contact emergency response services in the event of an accident or emergency.

Install Home Security Systems

Having a home security system installed, even a basic one, can help seniors have peace of mind and deter property theft—the most common type of security issue seniors experience.

If possible, a system that includes a camera and speaker system can allow seniors to communicate with strangers without opening the front door.

Include Medical Alert Systems

Despite precautions, accidents are unavoidable. Having medical alert systems, such as a medical alert alarm device, can allow seniors to push a button and get in contact with emergency services in the event of a fall or medical emergency.

Purchase GPS Trackers

Location trackers, such as versions on a phone, can allow seniors to have trusted family members or caretakers know their whereabouts in the event of an emergency.

If their phone isn’t equipped with a location tracker, other GPS tracker options are available, including in medical alert devices.

GPS trackers can be particularly beneficial for those with Alzheimer’s or dementia who may wander from the home.
 

Have railings for steps

If possible, install railings for outdoor steps.

Make outdoor pathways and driveways well-lit

Ensure there is bright lighting to illuminate pathways to the front door. Motion-sensing lights can be extremely helpful.

Install secure locks on doors and windows

If needed, upgrade locks on doors and windows to more secure versions.

Keep hedges/​shrubbery pruned or cleared

If living in a place that has shrubs or hedges near walkways, ensure they are properly pruned or cleared to not overrun paths/​become trip hazards.

Keep outdoor pools gated/​covered

If there is an outdoor pool, restrict access by installing a gate or pool cover to limit accidents.

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. 

Keep seasonal precautions in mind

Depending on the time of year or weather in the area, prepare for seasonal hazards such as icy walkways or snow that blocks driveways. 

In addition to making physical changes in the home, there are general home safety suggestions 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 who would be called in an emergency, as well as 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 local agencies and the Accessible Transportation Resource Center.
• 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, resources, and services for older adults.