Creating A Safe Home Environment For Seniors

Photo by Todd Cravens on Unsplash

Especially now with the Life Care Center closed, there may be many islanders caring for elderly parents or relatives, and even sharing their homes with them. This article written by freelance writer Jane Campbell outlines some simple but powerful steps we can take to make our homes and theirs much safer.

Did you know that falls are the top cause of both fatal and non-fatal injuries for senior citizens? Whether you are caring for an aging parent, or are a San Juan senior yourself, you want to know more about how to keep your home safe. Though dramatic events such as Tsunamis may be more sensational than fall-prevention, when it comes to safety falls are our number one concern. Let’s go over ways that you can create a safe home environment:

Clear Away Clutter
One recent study found that found that a significant hazard of many senior citizens homes was related to the accumulation of clutter. Difficulty with everyday tasks such as cleaning and tidying can be one of the initial signs of dementia, so if things are piling up at home, then it may be worth visiting a doctor. Unnecessary objects in the house can also lead to slips, trips, and falls. For increased home safety, create clean and open surface areas and floor spaces.

Non-Slip Bathroom
In the bathroom, it is a good idea to put non-slip surfaces in the shower and bathtub. This will help an older adult get in and out of the wash-area safely. Baths and showers can be slick when wet or soapy.

Also, hot water will affect the body’s circulation, and a change in temperature could make someone dizzy or lightheaded. Grippy surfaces can help a person retain their footing and therefore balance.

Secure Carpets
Tack down the edges of carpets, or get rid of them. Research shows that the area or transition between a rug and hard floor can cause falls, especially if the carpet starts to have curled edges.

The most common place in the home for falls related to rugs is the bathroom, where people may be hurrying to use the facilities. If you have a loose rug in the bathroom, find a way to secure it, or remove it.

Stability In The Home
Create a safe home environment by accounting for the changes that you or your loved one have gone through with aging. It is common for seniors to experience an unsteady gait, decreased muscle mass, impaired hearing or vision, and reduced agility.

This means that the way older adults move is very different, and they may need assistance in some areas where they never used to. Grab bars, walkers, and railings could help with stability. Increased lighting could help if vision loss is a challenge.

Falls are the leading cause of injury in the US for the elderly, and the majority of falls occur in the home. Prevent falls by clearing out clutter, putting non-slip mats into the bathing area, and tacking down or removing carpets. The way we move changes as we age, so tools that help with stability may become necessary.

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