Home Safety Checklist for Seniors in Florida

For most seniors, the ability to stay in their own homes as they age, rather than moving to a care facility or nursing home, is deeply important to them. After spending many years creating memories and living in a familiar place, staying at home as they age allows them to maintain a sense of independence. This is crucial for their mental well-being, and to remain in a familiar environment that they cherish, especially if they are diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s. However, safety becomes a significant concern for both seniors and their families as they grow older, and it becomes harder for them to maneuver or experience the effects of an aging brain. According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than one in four older adults experiences a fall each year, which means that millions of individuals over the age of 65 are victims of a fall. Many of these falls tend to happen within the confines of their own homes. However, falls aren’t the only risk for seniors at home, as the U.S. Fire Administration reported that in 2022, individuals aged 65-74 had 2.3 times the risk of dying in a fire compared to younger populations. These statistics highlight the need for safety measures and precautions in the homes of elderly individuals when they wish to refrain from living in care facilities.  

At Visiting Angels Sarasota, our top priority is providing referrals for safe and reliable care for seniors living at home. This goal extends even when the referred caregivers are not there to provide in-home care near you in Sarasota, Florida. To support our community, we have created a comprehensive home safety checklist for seniors and their families. This checklist serves as a valuable resource to help identify and address potential hazards in the home to make it the safest environment possible for those who are aging in place. By reviewing our home safety checklist for older adults and implementing these safety measures, we hope we can provide peace of mind to both seniors and their loved ones, ensuring that they can continue to live independently in the comfort of their own homes while also having a safe home environment. 

JUMP TO: Safety Concerns To Address | Visiting Angels Can Help

Safety Concerns To Address When Aging In Place in Sarasota

The best way to create a safer home environment for a senior is to go through one room at a time, carefully assessing potential risks in each living space. Our home safety checklist for seniors is designed with this approach in mind, addressing safety concerns in each common area in the home by providing specific items to check off the list. This thorough method ensures that no detail is overlooked when it comes to the safety of an aging individual, helping to create a safer living space for aging in place.

Living Areas

Common areas that are often used like dens and living rooms are one of the main places to review when making changes to address safety hazards. These areas are where seniors often spend a significant portion of their time, which means it’s important to prioritize safety in these areas. Our home safety assessment for elderly individuals includes simple yet effective measures to create a safer and more comfortable environment in the living areas. 

1. Start by reducing the amount of furniture and clutter to make it easier to maneuver around the space.
2. Consider replacing sharp-edged pieces of furniture with rounded corners to prevent injuries if a fall occurs.
3. Use non-slip area rugs to reduce the risk of falls.
4. Ensure that electric cords are either covered or re-routed to address tripping hazards.
5. Remote-controlled lighting and temperature control is an additional bonus that reduces the need for seniors to navigate the room in the dark.
6. Strategically placed grab bars and transfer poles for extra support and stability when getting up, sitting down, or walking through living areas

Kitchen & Dining Room

In the kitchen and dining room areas, safety is paramount to prevent accidents, fires, and injuries. These areas are commonly used, and changing a few things to make these areas as safe as possible by following our home safety checklist for seniors, you can make the kitchen and dining room safe for daily use and give yourself peace of mind.  

1. Proper lighting is essential in these areas, especially when older adults are cooking or baking. Increasing the amount of light in the kitchen, especially by increasing the bulb wattage and installing under-counter lighting, such as battery-operated pucks, can significantly improve visibility.
2. To avoid the safety risks associated with heavy lifting or using step stools, you can rearrange the kitchen to create easy access to frequently used items. Consider storing heavy items on the counter or hanging pots and pans on the wall so they are easily accessible.
3. In the dining area, regularly check that furniture is sturdy and safe. Make sure that all chairs have no wobbly arms or legs and are at the proper height so they are easy to get in and out of.
4. Adding strategically placed grab bars and transfer poles can also provide extra support and stability in the kitchen and dining room.

Steps & Stairs

Seniors living in homes with multiple levels or steps to get inside will face unique challenges when it comes to mobility and safety as they age. Stairways can be difficult to manage as we age, often leading to slip and fall accidents that can result in serious injury. In fact, 1 in 3 individuals over the age of 65 will experience a slip and fall every year. One of the most effective solutions for preventing falls for seniors with limited mobility is installing a stair lift. Installing a stair lift provides a safe and reliable way to go up and down stairs, and even steps to get into the home. However, there are additional safety measures that should be taken to further enhance stair safety in the home.

• Install Good Lighting - Ensuring adequate lighting at both the top and bottom of stairways is an important safety aspect. Make sure there are easily accessible wall switches so they can quickly be turned on.
• Install Handrails - Installing handrails on both sides of the stairs can provide extra support and stability while going up and down stairs or steps up into the house
• Make Sure The Flooring Is Non-Slip - Non-slip or carpeted stair treads can help prevent slip and falls from occurring. If the flooring on the stairs is wooden, we recommend adding a non-slip runner.
• Consider An Access Ramp - For short stair runs or steps up into the home, access ramps can be a practical alternative to steps. They reduce the risk of a slip and fall accident, as well as provide an easier option for seniors to walk up the ramp, rather than go up the stairs.
• Put Reflective Tape Down - For seniors with fading eyesight, adding reflective tape to distinguish risers from treads can help them clearly see each step.

These stair safety precautions are part of our elderly home safety checklist because they can significantly reduce the risk of falls and help seniors safely age in place. 

Bathrooms

When making a home safe for seniors who wish to age in place, bathroom safety is a top priority. Falls in the bathroom are more likely to result in serious injury and death than in other rooms due to the many types of hard surfaces and inherently slippery conditions. To minimize these risks, it's important to address specific safety concerns in the bathrooms throughout the home.

One of the most effective safety measures for bathrooms is to install non-slip mats in the tub, shower, and on the bathroom floor to provide firm footing for seniors. Additionally, investing in a walk-in tub can significantly reduce the risk of falls when seniors are entering and exiting the bath. Grab bars near the shower, tub, and toilet also offer crucial support, helping seniors maintain their balance and have support. Installing a non-slip shower seat will also create a safer environment for maintaining personal hygiene, particularly for those who have difficulty standing for long periods.

Proper lighting is also key in bathrooms. Installing bright overhead lighting combined with motion-sensor lights for nighttime use can prevent accidents by ensuring the space is well-lit at all times. Finally, raised toilet seats or higher toilets can make it easier for seniors to sit and stand without straining themselves or falling. To further enhance safety, adjusting the water heater to a safe temperature can also help prevent burns. These bathroom modifications create a more secure bathroom environment, which is why they are an important part of our home safety checklist for older adults.

Bedrooms 

When ensuring bedroom safety for seniors who wish to age in place, it’s essential to focus on creating an environment that is accessible, secure, and comfortable. Clutter-free walkways are an important part of our home safety checklist for elders, as they reduce the risk of tripping and falling. Proper lighting is another key factor, and installing nightlights or motion-sensor lights can help seniors see and maneuver their bedrooms safely during nighttime bathroom visits, minimizing the chance of accidents in the dark.

Many seniors depend on medical and monitoring devices during both night and day, as well as smartphones, to manage their health and stay connected with loved ones. To ensure these devices are always within reach, we recommend setting up a charging station next to the bed. This provides a convenient spot to keep essential items powered and easily accessible, while also keeping their power cords out of the way so they are not a tripping hazard. Additionally, having emergency numbers placed next to the bed and phone is important for quick access in case of an urgent situation. Installing a bed rail can also offer extra support for getting in and out of bed, further enhancing safety. 

Visiting Angels Can Help You Ensure Safety

At Visiting Angels Sarasota, we are dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of seniors who choose to age in place. Beyond providing our community with a home checklist for seniors, the compassionate caregivers we connect our clients with are here to help create a secure home environment, providing the support and assistance needed to maintain independence and peace of mind. Whether it's implementing safety measures or offering daily personal care, our referred caregivers are here to make your home a safer place for those who wish to age in place. Don't hesitate to contact us today to learn how we can connect you with a caregiver who can ensure the safety of you or your loved one. In addition to our safety services, we also offer referrals for bedridden patient care at home, providing compassionate support to ensure comfort and quality of life.