Home Safety Modifications to Promote Senior Independence

The number of seniors living in traditional housing has increased over the last 20 years. According to Forbes, nearly 80% of adults 50 and older prefer to age in place. It’s normal for your loved one to want to stay in their residence, especially if they’ve lived independently for most of their life.

Establishing a safe environment is the first step toward promoting a better quality of life. There are simple home modifications you and your loved one can make to ensure they’re comfortable and give you peace of mind. Learn about simple alterations for each room of their house.

Why It’s Important to Consider Home Safety for Seniors

As your loved one ages, they may face an increased risk of falls, cognitive decline and immobility that could affect their ability to stay at home. Understanding potential safety obstacles allows you to address them before they become a major concern. It’s also an effective way to reduce the risk of injury, hospitalization and increased medical costs. Together, you can brainstorm ways to make their home senior-friendly so they may live confidently.

Senior Home Safety Modifications by Room

Living, Den and Hallway

The living room, family room, den and hallways can present fall hazards, especially if your loved one has lots of furniture. Remove or secure loose items like rugs and cords that could tangle around your senior’s feet, and clear clutter from pathways. Keep the floor plan open by moving furniture to the perimeter of the room.

Installing lighting fixtures enhances visibility, so add table lamps, standing lamps and wall sconces. Motion-activated illumination in hallways and entryways supports safe mobility, especially at night. You may consider installing railings in the hallways, too, so your loved one maintains their balance.

Kitchen

Store essentials within reach: Reorganize cabinets, shelving and pantries so your loved one can get food and supplies without bending or reaching. A good rule of thumb is to store everything between shoulder and knee height.

Label important items: Add labels in a large font to cabinets, drawers and containers so your senior may find what they need easily. That’s also a helpful step if they take multiple medications and need to keep their doses in order.

Use non-slip mats: Reduce the risk of slipping on wet floors near the sink and stove by placing non-slip mats.

Install lever handles: Turning knobs can be difficult if your loved one has arthritis or dexterity issues. Lever handles allow them to grip easily.

Upgrade appliances: There are a variety of appliances, from coffee pots to pressure cookers, that come with automated shut-off features to prevent fire hazards.

Install smoke detectors: If your loved one doesn’t have a smoke detector in their kitchen, install one and replace the batteries every six months.

Bedroom

Whether your loved one’s bedroom is on the first or second floor, these tips can keep them safe while they get in and out of bed:

• Adjust the bed height so it’s easy to lie down and get up.
• Install bed rails or grab bars for stability and leverage.
• Add a firm mattress topper and pillows to support sleep posture.
• Keep a medical alert device or phone on a nightstand.
• Store essentials like glasses and medications in a drawer or basket nearby.
• Keep dirty clothes and linens off the floor in a laundry basket.
• Place touch lamps so your loved one can turn the lights on and off easily.

Bathroom

With its tight quarters, slippery floors and hard surfaces, the bathroom can be a dangerous place for your senior. Depending on your budget, you may need to renovate to accommodate their mobility needs. That could include upgrading the toilet with a higher seat or installing a walk-in shower.

Here are some additional ways to optimize bathroom safety:

• Add textured adhesive strips to the shower or tub floor.
• Install grab bars in the shower and by the toilet.
• Keep bathroom items within easy reach.
• Use contrasting wall and floor colors to enhance visibility.

Using Technology to Promote Senior Safety

Automating safety protocols: Using smart sensors to monitor carbon monoxide levels, water leaks and ambient temperature makes it easy to track at-home systems. Automated medication dispensers are another tool that allows your loved one to adhere to a medication schedule and reduces the risk of double-dosing.

Centralizing notifications and alerts: Smart home hubs like Alexa and Google Nest connect to different devices, allowing your senior to check in with the touch of a button. Security technology, like video doorbells, allows your loved one to keep an eye on their surroundings from anywhere in and around their home.

Using voice-activated features: Spoken commands make it possible to use voice-assisted technology even if your loved one can’t reach the phone. Some thermostats and lights can also link to smart hubs and be set to vocal cues.

Professional Home Safety Assistance from Ohioans

In addition to our personalized in-home healthcare, Ohioans Home Health & Hospice is committed to helping your loved one feel secure. We conduct at-home safety assessments to identify issues that could impact your loved one’s physical and emotional wellness. Contact us to learn about our service areas in Ohio and Michigan.