Elderly Safety and Security at Home: Making the Home Safer for Seniors

Last updated: January 30, 2024

KEY TAKEAWAYS

As the people we care about get older, it is increasingly important to look out for their health and safety. Making older people’s homes as secure as possible is one of the most important components of providing care for them. Instead of becoming a source of perpetual anxiety, the home should serve as a haven of peace. In this piece, we will discuss a variety of approaches and precautions that can be taken to assist in establishing a living environment that is secure and pleasant for elderly people.

Assessing the Home Environment

An evaluation of the living environment is the first thing that should be done while trying to keep older people safe at home. Determine any potential dangers that may exist within the house to begin. Examine the area for any potential trip hazards, such as piles of clutter, carpets that are not secured, or uneven surfaces. Pay particular attention to high-traffic areas as well as routes that are regularly used by senior citizens. This evaluation should also take into account whether or not mobility aids such as railings or ramps are required. If you are aware of the precise dangers that exist within the house, you will be able to devise appropriate precautions that will effectively handle these issues.

Craig Campbell, Owner of HARO Link Building

Fall Prevention

The most common way for elderly people to sustain injuries, including fractures, sprains, and other potentially life-threatening conditions, is via falling. Consider putting handrails in high-traffic places such as staircases and bathrooms to cut down on the possibility of injury from falling. Clear the paths of anything that could cause someone to trip, such as loose cords or clutter. Stability can be provided in the toilet and kitchen by using mats that do not slip, and it is essential to wear footwear that has appropriate traction. Participating in regular physical activity can maintain muscle strength and balance, hence lowering the chance of injury from falling.

Sarah Jeffries, First Aid Training Director at First Aid Course Nottingham

Adequate Lighting

It is extremely important for elderly people, particularly those with vision impairments, to have adequate illumination. Accidents are a distinct possibility when there is insufficient lighting, particularly in conditions with low visibility. Make sure that the lighting in the hallways, staircases, and other areas that are often used is adequate. You might want to think about adding motion-sensor lights that turn on by themselves whenever someone walks into a room or hallway. In addition, nightlights that are strategically positioned throughout the house can help seniors navigate the house securely during the evening and nocturnal hours, hence lowering the likelihood of them tripping or falling.

Adam Crossling, Head of Marketing at zenzero

Bathroom Safety

Accidents involving elderly people frequently take place in the bathroom. Consider placing grab bars in the area around the toilet, as well as in the shower, so that it is safer. When sitting down, standing up, or moving in and out of the shower, these bars provide the necessary support that is needed. Slips and falls can be avoided by using a non-slip bath mat and flooring that is resistant to slipping, while a shower bench can provide a solid place for bathing. These adjustments have the potential to greatly improve restroom safety while also fostering independence.

Rhodes Perry, Owner of IceBike

Medication Management

Seniors often have a difficult time keeping track of their medications. Medications should be arranged and kept in a neat and orderly fashion to guarantee their safety. Utilize a pill organizer that has separate compartments for each day of the dosage, hence lowering the probability of experiencing an overdose or forgetting to take a drug. Maintain an up-to-date list of medications and the amounts to take of each, and talk to a healthcare practitioner or a pharmacist to ensure that you have a complete grasp of the prescriptions that have been prescribed to you as well as any possible drug interactions.

Matt Magnante, Head of Marketing at FitnessVolt

Home Security

Safety is of the utmost importance for elderly people, particularly those who live alone. Think about putting up a security system that has features like cameras installed in the doorbell and lights that turn on when motion is detected. Peepholes and door locks that are up to par can provide an additional layer of protection. The ability to rapidly summon assistance in an emergency through the use of communication tools such as emergency pendants or intercom systems can provide elders with a sense of comfort and ease.

Tim Parker, Director at Syntax Integration

Kitchen Safety

Burns, wounds, and the possibility of falling are just some of the dangers that elderly people face in the kitchen. If you want to improve the safety of your kitchen, put objects that are frequently used within easy reach so that you don’t have to strain or climb. Make sure that the appliances you buy have safety measures like mechanisms that turn themselves off automatically. Keep pointed items in a secure position, and only use cooking implements that are both user-friendly and designed to prevent accidents. When seniors are in the kitchen, they should exercise caution and think about using stove guards to protect themselves from potential injuries.

Paul Phelps, Managing Director at SOLENT POWER

Emergency Preparedness

Emergencies can take many forms, and seniors should be ready for a variety of them, including medical problems, power outages, and natural catastrophes. The formulation of a contingency plan is mandatory. Include a list of people to call in an emergency as well as a predetermined location to meet up in case there is an evacuation. You should make sure that the person you care about has access to all necessary materials, such as prescriptions and medical equipment. To adapt the emergency plan to changing circumstances, it should be reviewed and updated regularly. You should strongly encourage the older member of your family to practice emergency measures, such as carefully fleeing the home, so that they will be ready if something unexpected occurs.

Graham Grieve, Marketing Manager at First Vehicle Leasing

Conclusion

It is a responsibility that we should take very seriously to protect the wellbeing of our senior family members and friends when they are at home. The home environment can be evaluated, falls can be avoided, lighting can be improved, bathrooms can be made safer, prescriptions can be managed, security can be increased, kitchen safety can be ensured, and emergency plans can be made if we want to create a place where seniors can live out their golden years in comfort and safety. You will be able to provide your elderly family members the sense of security that they so richly deserve and assist them in maintaining their independence and quality of life if you put these precautions into effect. These preventative measures not only safeguard their physical health but also provide a positive contribution to the overall quality of their lives and the well-being of the individuals concerned.

Consider incorporating emergency residential key duplication services as an additional precautionary step, ensuring quick and efficient access during unexpected situations for enhanced peace of mind.

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