3 Key Areas to Work on to Enhance Home Safety for Senior Citizens

Making sure a home environment is safe is an important consideration at any age. While many families focus on safety upgrades when children are young, the same attention to detail and dedication to accident prevention can be crucial as people age.

When loved ones enter their senior years, failing eyesight, mobility challenges, loss of balance and other concerns can make the home environment particularly hazardous. Focusing in on improvements in three particular rooms can greatly reduce the likelihood of slips, falls and other potentially life-limiting accidents. When common concerns are addressed, senior citizens will benefit from a safer environment and may very well find they can maintain their independence longer.

Here are three key areas in the home to focus on when working to enhance safety for senior citizens:

• The bathroom – Often considered one of the most dangerous rooms in any home, bathroom accidents are linked with thousands of emergencies room trips each year. This room’s hazards, in fact, can have major implications for people of all ages. Upgrades, such as walk-in bathtubs, slip-resistant flooring and grab bars to provide balance and support can all make a difference for seniors.

Walk-in tubs can offer tremendous benefits in reducing common bathroom hazards. By enabling people to access the bathing area through a door, this style of tub tackles balance, and slip-and-fall issues head on. If replacing a standard tub with a walk-in design isn’t feasible, custom shower seating, such as a bench, can be helpful.

• The kitchen – This room is also presents with a number of hazards that demand attention to safeguard seniors. If memory disorders are a concern, taking steps like removing hazardous chemicals and medications can be important. If may also be wise to place sharp objects out of reach in certain circumstances. Automatic shutoff stoves and ovens can also be good considerations. If memory disorders, such as dementia are not a concern, merely addressing common slip-and-fall hazards can make this room safer. Consider things like adding slip-resistant flooring or anchored throw carpets in wet areas. Do keep in mind that rugs should be firmly secured to the floor to prevent tripping for those who may shuffle walk.
• The bedroom – Seniors may spend a great deal of time in their own room. To ensure a safer experience, look for and address trip hazards. Overcrowded spaces, for example, can be a problem. Throw rugs that are not anchored may also pose risks.

Helping make the home environment safer for seniors is an important step for ensuring their well-being and continued ability to live independently. Simple measures in the bathroom, kitchen and bedroom can make a world of difference. If mobility and accessibility are concerns, upgrades like walk-in tubs or shower seats may also be well advised.