7 Ways to Increase Home Safety for Older Adults

During the senior years, people experience many age-related changes that can make it difficult for them to live independently. It is important for family caregivers to do everything they can to make the home as safe and secure as possible for their elderly loved ones. Here are some of the steps that can be taken to increase safety for seniors inside of their homes. 

1. Post Emergency Phone Numbers 

Seniors should know who to call in case of an emergency, including family members, close friends, medical providers, and support groups. Provide your loved one with a list of important phone numbers, such as the local pharmacy and transportation services. Make the list accessible and easy to read. Post a copy of this list throughout the home, especially near the phones. 
Hiring a professional caregiver is another way to increase your loved one’s safety in the home. Winnipeg home care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently.

2. Install Adequate Lighting

Adding sufficient lighting to the home can help your loved one move from room to room with ease and lower his or her risk of slips and falls. A well-lit home should have light bulbs installed throughout the property, especially in the hallways and bedrooms. To make the light system easy to control, use remote light switches that turn on and off when your loved one claps his or her hands. Installing clap on lights could reduce the amount of time your loved one spends in the dark. 

3. Remove Cords

Removing cords can prevent seniors from tripping, falling, and injuring themselves while walking around their homes. Consider installing cordless appliances in the house, or make sure to remove all of the corded devices from high-traffic areas within the home.

4. Add Alarms and Detectors 

Having a smoke detector installed could alert your loved one of potential fires and allow him or her to exit the home and seek immediate shelter. Other safety devices you should install to keep your loved one safe are carbon monoxide alarms and home security systems. Monitor the alarms and detectors on a regular basis to ensure they are working properly. 

5. Remove Clutter and Loose Rugs 

All exit pathways should be clear inside of your loved one’s home. The rooms should be clutter-free, and all rugs need to be removed. You can replace loose rugs with nonslip mats. Arrange the furniture in spaces that do not block doorways. Furniture should be placed in areas of the home where seniors won’t bump into the items or trip over the décor.
Consider hiring a professional caregiver if your loved one needs help decluttering and managing light household chores. For families living in Winnipeg, MB, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Home Care Assistance, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.  

6. Provide Flashlights 

Having a flashlight handy is a plus for seniors, especially when the power has gone out. The best places to keep a flashlight are in your loved one’s bedroom, the bathroom, the kitchen, and the living room. Using a flashlight can help your loved one navigate the home better and help him or her avoid straining his or her eyes when searching for a misplaced object. 

7. Install a Medical Alert System

After experiencing an accident or injury, seniors need to receive immediate medical attention. However, getting to the phone is not always possible, especially if they have fallen. Consider installing a medical alert system to make emergency service providers available with the push of a button. Some medical alert systems also come with voice recognition, making it easier for your loved one to call for help.
One of the most important aspects of making the home safe for a senior loved one is hiring a professional caregiver. The caregiver can keep a watchful eye on your loved one, assist him or her with daily tasks, and significantly reduce his or her risk of falls and injuries. If your senior loved one needs hourly or live-in care, Winnipeg Home Care Assistance can help. Our caregivers can assist with exercise and mobility, prepare nutritious meals, provide timely medication reminders, and help with a wide array of other important daily tasks. To schedule a free in-home consultation, give us a call at (204) 489-6000 today.