We all want our older loved ones to live independently and safely in their own home for as long as possible. But as we age, our needs change, and sometimes adjustments are needed in our home to stay safe. If you have an older person in your family, here are some tips to make their home a safer place:
Eliminate the Danger of Stairs
Stairs are one of the main hazards in the home of older people. If your house has stairs, here are some ways to keep them safe:
- Install handrails on both sides of the staircase.
- Keep stairs clean and free of obstacles.
- Illuminate the stairs with natural light or electric lamps.
- Consider installing an elevator or electric staircase if the older person has trouble climbing and descending stairs.
Reduce the Risk of Falls
Falls are the leading cause of injury in older people. Here are some tips to prevent falls at home:
- Keep the floor clean and free of obstacles.
- Use non-slip mats in wet areas, such as the kitchen and bathroom.
- Install proper lighting in all rooms and outside your home.
- Wear well-fitting shoes that provide good grip.
- If you have wheeled furniture, make sure it is properly secured.
- Consider installing handrails on stairs and in hallways.
Burn and Cut Prevention
Burns and cuts are other possible causes of injury in older people. To prevent burns and cuts, follow these tips:
- Keep electrical appliances out of reach of older people.
- Use safety covers on outlets.
- Unplug electrical appliances when not in use.
- Keep knife blades sharp and away from older people.
- Don’t use knives with protruding blades.
- Keep floors clean and free of oil.
- Don’t leave hot water heaters or stoves unattended.
Fire Prevention
Fires are another common hazard in the home and can be especially dangerous for older people. Follow these tips to prevent fires in your home:
- Install smoke detectors in every room of your home and change the batteries regularly.
- Don’t smoke inside your home.
- Keep bedroom doors closed to prevent the spread of fire.
- Install fire extinguishers in your home and make sure all older people know how to use them.
- Consider installing a fire protection system in your home.
Heat and Cold Protection
Older people are more susceptible to the effects of heat and cold. To protect older people from these dangers, follow these tips:
- Keep your home thermostat at a comfortable temperature.
- Dress older people appropriately for the weather, especially if they are sensitive to heat or cold.
- Keep rooms in your home well ventilated.
- Don’t use humidifiers or fans if there are older people in your home.
- Consider installing an air conditioning or central heating system if your home is not equipped with these devices.
Pet Care
Pets can be a great source of joy for older people, but they can also be a risk. Follow these tips to prevent pets from being a danger in the home of older people:
- Keep pets clean and free of fleas and ticks.
- Train pets to be gentle and not bite.
- Don’t let pets get close to older people when they are eating or sleeping.
- Pay special attention to pets if there are older people in the home who have allergies or respiratory diseases.
Bathroom Safety
The bathroom can be an especially dangerous place for older people because of the risk of falls and burns. Follow these tips to keep the bathroom of older people safe:
- Keep the bathroom clean and free of obstacles.
- Use a non-slip bath mat in the shower or bathtub.
- Install handrails in the shower or bathtub.
- Keep hot water at a safe temperature to prevent burns.
- Don’t leave objects on the edges of the shower or bathtub.
- Consider installing a shower or bathtub seat if there are older people in the home.
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips to keep the home of older people safe:
- Keep the emergency number handy and teach older people how to use it.
- Install safety locks on all doors and windows.
- Don’t let older people go to unfamiliar places alone.
- Consider installing a home security system.
- Keep the doctor’s phone number handy and teach older people how to use it.
- Make a list of the medications the older person takes and keep it up to date.
Follow these tips to keep the home of older people safe. With a little planning and preparation, you can help older people in your family enjoy a safe and independent life.
