Nearly ninety percent of Americans over 65 would prefer to age in place in their own homes than relocate for safety or caregiving. Receiving in home care in a home carefully optimized for safety is the best option for maintaining independence as long as possible. Seniors and their families should carefully consider how to optimize home safety measures with equipment, gadgets and home renovations that will make living independently safer. Some practical home modifications and helpful devices can help prevent falls and make daily living easier for seniors.
Home Safety Tips for Seniors
Safety measures that can improve security for seniors aging in place range from simple adjustments of common household items to full-on home remodeling. Seniors and families can start small making smart changes to their homes, and as their needs increase, consider more complex alterations. The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) website offers these suggestions for making a home safer for an older person:
- “Low-cost safety tips: Many people find that they can make these changes themselves.
- Add textured, no-slip strips in the bathtub and shower.
- Apply nonslip wax on floors.
- Place a waterproof seat or chair [or transfer bench] in the [tub or] shower.
- Put nonskid treads on steps.
- Remove throw rugs.
- Remove wheels on chairs.
- Replace standard doorknobs with lever handles.
- Replace toilet with a raised or high-profile toilet.
- Use rubber-backed bathmats.
- Expensive changes: These modifications often require professional help to make a home more accessible for a wheelchair.
- Alter the shower for walk-in rather than step-over entry.
- Create zero-threshold entryways.
- Move light switches for easy reach from a wheelchair or bed.
- Widen doorways and hallways.”
Home Safety Modification Suggestions
These additional suggestions range in cost and complexity:
- Mount an adjustable bed rail
- Add gripping tape to grab bars and handrails
- In the bathroom, install:
- A toilet safety frame
- A tub-side grab bar or permanent grab bars in the shower
- A handheld shower nozzle
- A raised toilet seat for an existing standard toilet
- Install handrails along the stairways
- Use an adjustable bed frame
- Install a stair lift
Safety Technology
There are also several clever technological devices that can support all the other home care solutions:
- Medical alert devices
- Cordless electric kettle
- Electric can opener
- Video doorbell system
- Large button telephone for landlines or a senior-simple cell phone
- ’EZ’ jar opener
This is by no means a comprehensive list of all the ways families can ensure the safety of older adults aging in place. However, giving thought to how to adapt their homes for safety, and setting up useful equipment, will increase their ability to engage in activities of daily living safely over the long term. Senior home safety equipment, modifications, and clever tweaks to everyday items are inexpensive and easy ways to provide peace of mind for seniors, caregivers, and family members.
Anyone providing or receiving in home care in San Diego could find this online event from Elder Help of San Diego and Alzheimer’s San Diego interesting: Safety at Home, April 20, 2023 at 11am. Registration required.