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The importance of safety for the elderly living at home
Did you know that 60% of falls happen in the home? That’s why we’ve put together a comprehensive list of safety tips for ensuring one’s home is as safe as possible.
When should you consider home modification services for seniors?
Safety modifications to the home should be considered when you (or your loved one) begin to experience a decline in your physical or mental health. This can include eyesight, balance, lack of physical movement, or cognitive decline.
How do you help an elderly person who lives alone?
Aged care homes are designed and operated with safety at the top of mind. But how do you protect your loved one in their home when they are living alone? Whether or not you have access to extensive home modifications, there are a variety of small maintenance tasks that you can do to ensure safety and wellbeing.
Safety tips for seniors living at home
1. Create space
One of the best ways to help the elderly avoid falls is by ensuring that they have the space to move and walk freely through their home. Rearranging furniture and designing their living space to accommodate their (sometimes restricted) movement will help them go about their daily lives without risk of bumping into or tripping over something or having to manoeuvre themselves around their furniture.
2. Instal handrails
Installing handrails is a simple yet highly effective way to help prevent falls. This not-too-extensive home modification for seniors has proven to be extremely helpful as elderly individuals have the support and stability they need no matter where they are in the home.
3. Keep everyday items easily accessible
By keeping all the items and objects that a person might need within easy reach, many risks associated with falls can be avoided. Seniors having to rely on stepladders and chairs or needing to stretch to reach hard-to-get items are at significantly greater risk of falling.
4. Be mindful of cleaning products
Home safety modifications aren’t all about falling. Chemical cleaning products can produce noxious gases that can pose a danger to an already health-compromised senior. For that reason, we recommend never mixing cleaning liquids together (such as bleach and ammonia) and keeping all cleaning items in a designated safe area. That way there’s less chance that it can be mixed up with food.
5. Increase safety around staircases
In homes with staircases, there are a few simple ways in which you can modify the space for increased safety. Rails and bannisters are indispensable to help go up and down the stairs. Scatter rugs should never be placed at the bottom or even at the top of stairs where one might trip. For extensive home modifications, one can even consider installing a chair lift as well.
6. Be mindful of bathroom, laundry, and kitchen hazards
The bathroom, laundry and kitchen are all high-risk areas due to the tendency for water and other liquids to be spilled on the floor. In areas where the floor is smooth and prone to being slippery, make sure you’ve installed handrails and non-slip flooring or strips.
7. Secure rugs
It’s not just the wet areas that need some flooring attention. Rugs, wherever they are, should be taped and secured to the floor so that they do not move, curl up, or slip when one walks over them. Rugs pose a significant tripping hazard but can also provide surface areas that are easy to walk over, so taping into place is a must.
8. Choose cordless phones and secure wires
While phones with cords are becoming less common, many seniors still use their older style phones. Cables, wires, and cords can be high-risk trip hazards. Where possible, opt for cordless or wireless electronics, and where that is not possible, you can ensure that all wires and cables are tucked and secured away where they cannot be tripped over.
9. Wear appropriate footwear
Keeping appropriate footwear at hand is a must. Whether it’s non-slip slippers with a rubber bottom, thin-soled shoes, or similar items, these can help seniors walk confidently and securely across smoother floors of the home. For the same reason, make sure that canes and walkers are both stored in a location that is convenient and accessible.
10. Keep rooms well lit
Lighting is one aspect of home modifications for the elderly that is often overlooked. All rooms and hallways, including stairs, should be very well lit to help those whose eyesight is deteriorating to navigate their way through the home. Consider night-lights or safety lights so that the toilet and bathroom can be accessed safely even during the middle of the night.
Other home safety tips
While not technically home modifications, we highly recommend you consider the following safety tips as well:
1. Education around answering the door
Education around dealing with door-to-door salespeople, parcel deliveries, and donation seekers can help alleviate the pressure elderly people may feel when confronted at home. Reminding them that there is no rush to answer the door (so as not to accidentally slip) and making them aware of potential extortionists will go a long way to keeping them safe.
2. Falls risk assessments
Having a professional conduct a special falls risk assessment can help you and your loved one understand the necessity of home modifications and act according to their ability to walk and maintain balance.
3. Emergency contacts
An essential safety tip for the elderly is to ensure they have easy and quick access to emergency and support numbers in case they need them. Whether this means educating them in the use of a mobile or having a ‘panic button’ on their person, making sure they have the help they need when they need it can be critical.
For more safety tips and home modifications advice, turn to White Oak
The team at White Oak do a lot more than just provide home modification services for the elderly. We care deeply. So, whether you’re after more safety tips for seniors living at home or want to find out more about our services, make sure to reach out to our friendly staff today. Our team provides experienced and compassionate home modification services. However, modifications around the home are just one important factor to consider when keeping a you safe at home.
