Home Safety Checklist for Older Adults

In the present time, older adults are better able to age in the comfort of their own homes. This is mostly because of the increasing number of resources available for seniors. These resources are found to reduce household hazards that may cause severe injuries, among which falls are the number one reason for emergency hospital visits in seniors. Having a family member, friend, or a professional Kingwood senior care provider available to frequently check for hazards can decrease the risks.

To keep your aging loved one stay safe and secure at home, you can take some steps to safeguard their living space. Have a checklist on hand to help keep your loved ones free from injuries, which mostly occur when a senior is home alone without safety measures. Non-medical in-home care Kingwood experts recommend applying these safety measures in home to keep seniors safe.

Floor Safety

• Remove or arrange wires and chords so they run along the wall.
• Keep walking areas clear by removing objects that can be tripped over or bumped into.
• Stick to the floor or remove loose rugs.
• Clean spills immediately.
• Avoid slippery floor waxes and cleaning materials.

Safety Installations

• Place a non-slip mat in the shower and on stairs, which is optional.
• Add grab bars to high fall risk areas like both sides of the toilet and showers.
• Check for unstable railings and fix them.
• Install an electric stairlift if your loved one finds climbing difficult.
• Install motions sensor night lights in the hallways and bathroom to prevent searching for switches during bathroom emergencies.
• Add additional lights above the staircase.

Kitchen Safety

• Remove clutter from the kitchen by keeping the essentials only.
• Store often used items like pots, pans, and other heavy items at waist level.
• Get rid of expired food.
• Keep pre-made meals to keep your loved one from cooking as often and prevent kitchen hazards.
• Place kitchen rags and other flammable objects away from stovetops.

Personal Safety

• Remind your loved one of the dangers associated with smoking.
• Add a wearable medical alert system as an extra precaution.
• Replace shoes and sandals with smooth slippery outsoles with non-slip grip.
• Keep medication dispensers to avoid missed pills and overdosage.
• Hire a professional caregiver to prepare a diet and fitness plan and help with daily activities around the home.

Maintenance Safety

• Check for old and loose light bulbs that should be repaired and throw away the useless ones.
• Check for and fix leaky pipes and faucets, and label them clearly hot and cold.
• Turn down the water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or below to prevent scalding.
• Make sure all smoke alarms are in working properly.
• Replace dangerous appliances like kettles and irons with those that come with an automatic shut off feature.
• Check for overloaded outlets that can cause an electrical fire.

Use these safety measures for your loved one. You can also consider a respite or 24 hour home care, Kingwood

We are a leading provider of specialized Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and post-stroke care. Home Care Assistance of North Houston.