Home Safety Tips For Older Adults

While aging at home offers the comfort of familiar surroundings and cherished memories, it’s not without risks. Each year, countless seniors face injuries in or around their homes, with the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission reporting that approximately 2.9 million adults aged 65 or older are treated in hospitals annually due to home-related injuries.

Falls are among the most common and dangerous hazards for older adults, and seniors are also at a higher risk of fatal house fires. Many of these injuries stem from overlooked safety issues that are surprisingly easy to fix. Simple adjustments—like installing grab bars in bathrooms, enhancing hallway lighting, and keeping pathways free of clutter—can make a world of difference. By identifying and addressing these safety concerns, you can create a safer home environment for yourself or your loved ones, preventing accidents before they happen.

Identifying (and Fixing) Risks in the Home: Room by Room Tips

When it comes to home safety for seniors, there are several common risks – especially fall risks – for seniors. These hazards, combined with age-related factors like decreased balance, coordination, and strength, significantly increase the risk of falls and other accidents for seniors at home. Following these home safety tips can go a long way in securing the home while promoting safer and more independent living:

Living Areas

• Ensure furniture is stable and avoid sharp corners.
• Use non-slip area rugs on hardwood floors.
• Cover or re-route electric cords.
• Install remote-controlled lighting and temperature control.

Kitchen

• Use appliances with auto-shut-off features.
• Store knives and cleaning supplies securely.
• Make sure floor coverings on hard surface floors have a skid-proof back.
• Ensure overhead, beneath range hoods and cabinet lighting is bright.
• Use rubberized cutting boards and cut-resistant gloves.
• Keep counters as clutter-free as possible.
• Consider using plastic drinking and serving items instead of glass.
• Keep kitchen vents clean and well-maintained.

Bathrooms

• Install grab bars near the shower, tub, and toilet.
• Place a non-slip shower seat in the shower.
• Use bright lighting overhead and motion-sensor lights for nighttime.
• Install raised toilet seats or higher toilets.
• Ensure a safe water heater temperature.

Stairways

• Ensure adequate lighting with wall switches at the top and bottom of stairways.
• Make sure there are handrails on both sides of the stairs.
• Only use non-slip or carpeted stair treads.
• Consider access ramps on short stair runs.
• Use reflective tape to distinguish risers from treads.
• Place small motion-activated lights in the corner of each step.

Bedrooms

• Place a lamp or light switch within easy reach of the bed.
• Keep a phone near the bed for emergencies.
• Use nightlights or motion-sensor lights for nighttime visibility.
• Install a bed rail to provide support for getting in and out of bed.
• Keep frequently used items within easy reach.
• Remove clutter and ensure clear pathways.

Threshold and Outdoor Safety

• Flatten raised thresholds or add ramps.
• Inspect driveways for cracks and remove hazards in outdoor pathways.

Organizational Changes

• Keep frequently used items within easy reach.
• Arrange furniture to create clear pathways.
• Ensure seating is at an appropriate height for easy standing and sitting.

Accessibility Modifications

• Replace doorknobs with lever handles.
• Install reachable light switches and electrical outlets.
• Widen doorways for wheelchair access.
• Build ramps to replace exterior steps.
• Add a stair lift or elevator to multilevel homes.

You can easily find more safety ideas for yourself or a loved one with our Home Safety Checklist.

Safety Devices and Technology

Several home safety products for seniors can help to enhance safety at home while providing peace of mind for loved ones.

• Medical Alert Systems: Wearable devices like pendants or wristbands that allow seniors to call for help in emergencies.
• Fall Detection and Personal Emergency Response Devices: Wearable sensors or home monitoring systems that can detect falls and automatically alert caregivers or emergency services.
• Smart Smoke Detectors: These can sound an alarm and send alerts to friends, family or caregivers.
• Smart Home Devices: Internet-connected devices like smart light bulbs, smart locks, voice-activated assistants and medication reminders can make daily tasks easier and safer.
• Senior Friendly Phones: Look for phones with large buttons, emergency networks and GPS tracking.
• Home Security Systems: These can protect against break-ins and often include 24/7 monitoring.
• Hearing and Visual Aids: These devices can amplify sound and improve lighting for better visibility.

Evaluate Medications to Help Minimize Fall Risks

Reviewing medications is an important step in reducing the risk of falls for older adults. Many commonly prescribed medications, such as sedatives, antidepressants, blood pressure medications, or even over-the-counter remedies, can have side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, or impaired coordination. These effects can significantly increase the likelihood of losing balance or experiencing a fall.

Consult with a healthcare provider or pharmacist to identify any medications or combinations that might contribute to these risks. Adjustments, such as changing dosages or switching to alternatives with fewer side effects, can often be made to enhance safety. Additionally, regularly monitoring how medications affect mobility and balance, especially when starting a new prescription, helps to identify and address potential risks. By staying proactive, you can help minimize fall risks while maintaining necessary treatments.

Emergency Preparedness

Being prepared for emergencies is essential to maintaining safety and peace of mind at home. Taking a few simple steps ensures you’re ready to respond quickly and effectively to unexpected situations.

• Keep a list of emergency numbers (911, poison control, healthcare provider) near every phone.
• Stock flashlights, batteries, and a first-aid kit.
• Include an emergency alert system or bracelet.
• Inspect heating systems and clear dryer lint traps to prevent fire risks.

Home Safety Tips for Seniors Living with Dementia

Home safety for people living with dementia may require additional modifications to reduce risks and enhance comfort. A GPS Device can help those who are prone to wandering. Door and motion sensors can alert caregivers if their loved one is moving around at unusual times or leaving the house. Bracelets, like those from the MedicAlert Foundation, can also be helpful for those who wander because first responders and others can readily identify them.

Support your loved one’s needs. While safety is vitally important, try not to create a home that feels too restrictive. The home should encourage independence and social interaction.

Download a Tip Sheet from the Alzheimer’s Association for more home safety tips for people living with dementia.

The Benefits of Memory Care

Even if the home is safe and secure, Dr. Margaret Wylde, founder and principal of ProMatura Group, LLC and member of the WYLM Advisory Board, says that as dementia advances, a caregiver(s) must also assess if they have the time, physical strength and patience to manage the challenges that often come with disease progression. “Assisted living and memory care communities are often a welcome solution for those struggling with caring for a loved one with dementia,” she says. “While you may lose having a spouse or a loved one remain in the house, you gain time without being worried, enjoy a good night’s sleep, enjoy visiting – without having to provide care – and seeing your loved one engaged in activities they enjoy. Most importantly, you’ll have a team of professionals who care for and about your loved one.”

Schedule a Senior Home Safety Inspection

Scheduling a home safety inspection proactively identifies potential risks and creates a safer living space. These inspections can uncover hazards while also providing recommendations for modifications to help seniors stay safe at home. A professional inspection is particularly valuable if your loved one resists making changes or has complex safety needs that require expert guidance.

Personal Safety Measures

Beyond following these senior home safety tips, regular exercise improves strength and balance, reducing the risk of falls. Also, be sure to wear appropriate footwear with non-slip soles.

Find a Community

As you consider these and other safety issues, it’s important to consider the bigger picture. If their house needs significant upgrades to be safe and senior-friendly, it may be time to evaluate whether it’s actually the best place for them to live.

If they’ve already experienced several falls or cannot keep the house well-maintained enough to be safe, it could be a sign that your senior parent needs help.

If you have safety concerns for an elderly loved one in an apartment or a senior living alone in a house and want to explore senior living options near you, use our convenient community locator tool.

Where You Live Matters

Where You Live Matters is powered by the American Seniors Housing Association (ASHA), a respected voice in the senior housing industry. ASHA primarily focuses on legislative and regulatory advocacy, research, educational opportunities, and networking for senior living executives so they can better understand the needs of older adults across the country.

Sources:
Mayo Clinic 
National Council on Aging 
Senior Services of America   
The New York Times  
National Institute of Health  
Mr. Handyman  
U.S. Veterans’ Association

_{Originally Published: June 26, 2018 – Updated On: December 30, 2024}