Keeping your loved one safe and sound in their own home is important for aging in place. With a few changes and upgrades, you can create a safer home environment for your elderly loved one. This article will discuss how to improve your elderly loved one’s safety at home.

Trip and Fall Hazards in the Home

Area rugs and electrical cords can create potential tripping hazards. Remove any area rugs, and tuck electrical cords out of the way where possible. Removing clutter from the floor can reduce the risk of falls as well. Make sure there is enough space for your loved one to walk comfortably with a cane or walker, as needed. Also, keep needed kitchen items at a reasonable height to eliminate reaching high shelves.

Water Temperature and Safety

Your loved one’s hot water heater may be too high. Seniors may not feel temperature as sensitively as they used to. Turn down the hot water temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This will reduce scalding risks overall.

Bathroom Safety for Aging In Place

Properly installed grab bars for the shower and toilet (where possible) can be incredibly helpful for your loved one’s safety. Slip-resistant bath mats can help reduce the fall risk in the shower. If your loved one’s home has a shower-tub combination, consider investing in a transfer bench to reduce the fall risk when entering or exiting the shower.

Nightlights for Safety

Nightlights are essential for late-night bathroom trips. Install nightlights in hallways, stairwells, and bathrooms, to provide lighting as needed for your loved one.

Home Maintenance and Aging in Place

Regular home maintenance is important to keeping your loved one comfortable at home. Schedule an HVAC specialist to service the air conditioning and heating units during the Spring and Fall respectively. Additionally, consider hiring a home inspector to check the property for any potential safety concerns. Your home inspector may be able to recommend repairs or preventative measures to keep your loved one’s home in good condition.

Fire Alarms

Generally, fire alarms should be installed near bedrooms and living areas to ensure the safety of your loved one, not close to a window or the stove. Most units now also have Carbon Monoxide detectors which can help save lives.

Safety and Medication Management

Expired medications need to be discarded with current medications labeled correctly to ensure proper dosage and usage. It is easy to confuse medications without proper lighting also. Take this into consideration when organizing your loved one’s medications.

Help at Home

One way to keep your loved one safe at home is to hire assistance in caregiving for them. A home health aide can provide caregiving services, light housekeeping, and companionship to your elderly loved one. Home healthcare is a good way to ensure that your loved one is receiving care, even when you can’t be there.

Safe Harbor Healthcare Services does not provide medical, healthcare, or financial advice via articles. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for medical advice.
Safe Harbor Healthcare Services has been providing excellent home care on Staten Island since 1967. Our services help the elderly and disabled live safely and independently; while giving their families the peace of mind they need. For more information contact us by clicking here, or call (718)-979-6900.