Senior Citizen Safety at Home

If you have a senior citizen in your life, you know that their safety is always top of mind. As our loved ones age, they become more vulnerable to accidents and injuries. Falls are a leading cause of injury for seniors, and many falls occur right in the senior’s own home. Fortunately, there are some simple things you can do to ensure senior citizen safety in your loved one’s home. You can apply these tips on your own, or reach out to us for help.

Identifying Senior Citizen Safety Hazards

First, take a good look around the house and identify any potential hazards. Remove anything that could cause a trip or fall, such as loose cords or rugs. Keep the floors clean and free of clutter. Make sure all stairways have handrails, and that those handrails are sturdy and in good condition. If your senior has trouble getting around, consider installing grab bars in the bathroom and other strategic locations. 

Considering the Lighting in Their Home

It’s also important to think about lighting when it comes to home safety for seniors. Poor lighting can contribute to falls and accidents. Install night lights in hallways and bathrooms, and make sure all light bulbs are working properly. Consider adding motion sensor lights outside the front and back doors. 

Ensuring Your Loved One’s Safety in the Bedroom

• Make sure there is plenty of light, and install nightlights in the bedroom and hallways leading to the bedroom.
• Consider adding a lamp with an easy to reach switch next to the bed.
• Remove any tripping hazards 
• Remove throw rugs or use double-sided tape to keep them in place 
• Keep cords from lamps and electronics out of the way 
• Arrange furniture so there is plenty of room to walk around freely 
• Make sure there is a clear path to the door in case of an emergency 
• Install handrails on both sides of the bed and in the bathroom if needed
• Keep a telephone within reach of the bed in case of an emergency 
• Make sure 911 is programmed into speed dial

Limiting Hazards in Their Bathroom

• Install grab bars next to the toilet and inside the shower or tub if needed 
• Use a shower chair or bench if possible
• Encourage them to keep one hand free while showering to avoid slipping 
• Use non slip mats inside the shower or tub and on any wet floors outside the bathroom area 
• Keep all cleaning supplies medications and other potential hazards stored safely out of reach 

Kitchen Safety for Elderly Loved Ones

• Arrange items so that frequently used items are within easy reach without having to climb on countertops or stools 
• Use a small step stool with a handrail if necessary to help reach items stored up high 
• Keep knives stored safely out of reach or in a drawer with a child safety lock installed 
• Never leave cooking food unattended. Turn off all appliances when finished cooking 
• Keep a fire extinguisher easily accessible in case of an emergency and know how to use it properly
• If possible, install a phone in the kitchen as well for easy access. Although they may have a cell phone, corded landline phones won’t get lost!

Additional Safety Considerations for Seniors

There are some additional steps you can take to help ensure senior citizen safety at home. Install a security system with emergency buttons that they can easily access in case of an accident or intruder. Check in on them regularly, either in person or by phone. Make sure they have access to food and water in case they are unable to leave the house for an extended period of time. 

Our team at Genuine Global Care is here to help by making sure your senior loved ones stay safe in their homes through our home care services. Our caregivers are highly trained and experienced professionals who will work with you to create a personalized care plan for your loved one. Contact us to learn more about how we can help keep your senior loved one safe and make their homes safe havens where they can live happily for as long as possible.