At The Herrick House in Beverly, Massachusetts, we take home safety for older adults very seriously. We understand that most home settings are not outfitted with the safety features and details that work best for older adults. That’s why we encourage families to assess their loved one’s current living situation and consider if the exceptional assisted living at The Herrick House might be a better choice.
A checklist of home safety for older adults
As you go through your home or the home of your loved one, ask yourself the following questions:
Stairs
Many older people have difficulties with stairs. As a person ages, they lose muscle strength and flexibility. Poor vision can also pose a problem, as can balance issues. Feeling unsteady or dizzy can result from medications, or injuries to the brain such as stroke or Parkinson’s disease.
If you notice your parent walking sideways down the stairs, gripping the railing very tightly, placing two feet on a stair to steady themselves, or being unable to carry on a conversation while on the stairs, they may be having more difficulty with them than you realized. Stairs can be a major concern in home safety for older adults.
Some things to look for on the stairs:
- Are papers, shoes, books, or other objects on the stairs?
- Are some steps broken, uneven or is the carpet loose?
- Do you have adequate lighting over the stairway?
- Are there light switches at both the top and bottom of the stairs?
- Is there a sturdy handrail on both sides of the stairs?
Kitchens
There are many potential dangers, such as sharp objects, hot surfaces, and slippery floors. Two-thirds of all fires begin in the kitchen, making it high on the list of home safety for older adults. Even an act as simple as putting away groceries can lead to an injury if a person accidentally bumps their head on a cabinet or the refrigerator door.
Some things to look for in the kitchen:
- Are the things you use often on high shelves?
- Do you have a sturdy step stool with a bar to hold on to or a reach stick for high items?
- Do you have a fire extinguisher for the kitchen?
- Do you have a smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector in the kitchen or nearby?
Download your free copy of our Family Decision Toolkit guide.
Bedrooms
Sometimes, checking home safety for older adults is about things that at first glance don’t seem to pose a danger. For a senior who is a bit unsteady on their feet, a loose rug on the floor can pose a fall risk, as can bedding that is too long or a bed skirt that could become tangled in the feet.
Some things to look for in the bedroom:
- Do you have a light close to the bed?
- Is your bed too high, which could increase the severity of a fall?
- Is the path from your bed to the bathroom dark?
- Do you have a telephone next to your bed?
- Is your bedroom floor often cluttered with shoes, magazines, or clothing?
Bathrooms
This is another red flag tied to home safety for older adults. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in every three seniors experiences at least one fall in their lifetime. Approximately 80 percent of all falls involving seniors occur in the bathroom.
Some things to look for in the bathroom:
- Do you have a non-slip rubber mat or self-stick strips on the floor of the tub or shower?
- Are soaps and shampoo bottles within easy reach?
- Do you have grab bars to assist you in getting in/out of the tub or up from the toilet?
- Is the temperature of the hot water set too high?
Living areas
Whether it’s an issue of poor lighting, blocked walkways, or too much clutter on the floor, a living room or den is also a setting that should be checked for potential hazards.
Some things to look for in the living areas:
- Are electric cords and telephone wires near walls and away from walking paths?
- Are areas where you walk free of clutter?
- Are carpets and large area rugs firmly to the floor?
- Have you removed all throw rugs?
- Is your furniture arranged so it’s not in your way when you walk?
- Are sofas and chairs the right height to easily get in and out of them?
Home safety for older adults: a better option
After you’ve taken the time to assess the home setting for your loved one, you will have a better idea of what works best for their quality of life. Consider discussing your findings with them to see if they are adamant about staying in their home, with the proper changes, or are they open to a supportive environment designed specifically to help them stay healthy and independent as long as possible.
At The Herrick House, we invite you or your loved one to continue the lifestyle you want in a warm and supportive atmosphere without the worries of maintaining a home. If the time has come for you to seek a greater degree of safety, personal care assistance, and social interaction for yourself or a loved one, we are here to assist you.
We are your friends, your supporters, and your trusted advisor on assisted living options. Download your free copy of our Family Decision Toolkit guide. Contact us to learn more about The Herrick House or to schedule your visit.