Home Safety: Keeping Homes Safe For Older Adults

More than 14 million seniors fall each year, making it one of the leading causes of injuries among seniors 65 and older. The numbers make it seem that falls are inevitable in aging. While the body undergoes changes that can affect balance and mobility, increasing your risk, falls are not something you should accept as you age.

Most falls that result in injury or emergency room visits happen at home. Many of these falls are preventable, and understanding home safety and prevention can help you create a fall-free environment in your home.

Minimal Home Modifications to Improve Safety at Home

Creating a safer home doesn’t have to mean major home renovations. There are many small home modifications that you can quickly make that will significantly reduce your risk of falls and injuries.

• Get non slip mats for your bathroom and kitchen.
• Clear your hallways and doorways of clutter and tripping hazards.
• Place motion sensor lights in your hallways and most used rooms to help you see at night.
• Install grab bars around your toilet and in your tub.
• Purchase a shower chair for your shower.
• Declutter your home– donate or sell items you no longer use.

Home Renovations for Maximum Accessibility

Home renovations can be expensive, but if you have the budget and need your home to be more accessible, these home renovations can help reduce the risk of falls and injuries and make your home more accessible.

• Shorten your kitchen counters and cabinets, so they’re more accessible.
• Install a ramp leading up to your home's front or back door.
• Get a walk-in tub for your bathroom.
• Install a chair lift inside your home to help you get up and down the stairs.
• Purchase a voice-activated system that allows you to call 911 or a nearby person in case of a fall.

Home Safety Beyond Falls

While falls are one of the primary concerns for seniors, there are a few other safety precautions you should take to reduce your risk of other emergencies, such as fires or electrical issues.

• Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors have fresh batteries and that there is one on every floor.
• Keep a fire extinguisher in your home, preferably near the kitchen, where fires are most common.
• Don’t leave food unattended while cooking.
• Don’t overload your outlets.
• Check and replace any worn or torn cords on electronics.
• Always lock your doors and windows at night and when you leave the home.

Fall Prevention With Visiting Angels

Visiting Angels is dedicated to helping local seniors stay safe as they age. Our dedication to caring for seniors inspired us to develop a fall prevention program. This program includes a home safety assessment and a personalized home care plan.

During the home safety assessment, our team will identify fall risks throughout your home and provide guidance on how to make it safer. We then create a personalized care plan for how our caregivers can assist in making a safer and more comfortable home through assistance with nonmedical tasks like light housekeeping, personal grooming, and medication reminders.

Contact our office to learn more about our fall prevention program.