As people age, their vision, dexterity, strength and balance decline, making them more prone to accidents and falls. Their frailty is also a cause for concern as their risk of breaking bones are higher and the effects of breaks and fractures can be devastating to a senior. There are certain hazards in a senior’s home that we can look out for to help minimize these risks and steps we can take to encourage their safety.
Household Hazards & Safety Tips
- Extension Cords, Cables, and Telephone Wires – loose wires should be tied up and safely tucked under furniture. If not in use, just remove altogether.
- Lighting – make sure all areas, especially stairways and hallways are well lit and use automatic nightlights throughout the house.
- Staircases and Handrails – handrails should be well secured, sturdy and run the entire length of the staircase. Bright paint or reflective tape at the edge of each step makes it visible for the senior to know where each step ends and a new one begins.
- Uneven thresholds – transition aides should be installed to prevent tripping over the uneven footing.
- Throw rugs & Clutter on the Floor – pick up small items, piles of newspapers and other papers, and bags from the floor. Remove throw rugs or make sure they are securely stuck to the floor.
- Look out for small pets that walk close to their owner. The senior can easily trip over or bump into them.
- Encourage the senior to wear comfortable, sturdy, rubber-soled shoes to avoid slipping on wood or tile floor.
Kitchen Safety Tips
- Frequently used items should be placed in easy to reach areas such as lower shelves or countertops. Commonly used appliances should be placed on the countertops and pushed back far enough that they won’t fall off the edge.
- Smoke detectors should have working batteries at all times.
- A telephone with loud ringer and larger dials should be in easy reach.
- Expired or rotting food should be thrown out immediately. Check the contents of the refrigerator regularly. Discourage taking home of “doggy bags” from restaurants.
Bathroom Safety Tips
- Purchase an over-the-toilet commode with arms.
- Purchase a bath or shower bench and install non-skid decals or mats on the shower or tub floor.
- Install grabs bars on the shower wall and on the side of the tub.
Furniture Hazards
- Swivel or Rocking Chairs – these chairs are too unstable and may move while the senior is going to sit down or while rising, causing a fall.
- Unsteady Furniture – old tables, folding chairs, cardboard end tables, and wheeled furniture are not secure and sturdy enough to support someone leaning on them.
- Sharp Corners – many tables have sharp corners and can cause further injury if the senior were to fall. Use padding on the corners or replace with round-edged furniture.