Your home should be a place where you can relax, unwind, and feel completely at ease. So whether you live in a senior living community, with family, or in a private home, it’s important to routinely check the safety of your home environment. Doing so may help you avoid common accidents and prepare for an emergency. Scroll down to review our home safety tips for seniors.
Home Safety Tips for Seniors
Keep emergency numbers handy.
You never know when you’ll suddenly need to make an important or even life-saving call. In a convenient place, such as near your telephone, keep a list of important phone numbers, such as 911, Poison Control, the numbers of close family members and friends, and the number of your doctor’s office. In addition, keep these numbers saved in your cell phone for quick access.
Prevent falls through preparation.
You can do several things in your home to prevent the likelihood of falling:
- Remove all unnecessary obstacles from your floors. Keep them clean and clear.
- Always wear non-slip footwear, and make sure that your shoes fit you well.
- Make sure that all your carpets and rugs are flat and secure so that they won’t slide beneath your feet or cause you to trip.
- Consider carrying a cell phone with you at all times. Not only will this eliminate the need for you to rush to the phone (a common cause of falls), but also you’ll be able to call 911 in case of an emergency.
- Consider buying a protective alarm that you wear as a bracelet or necklace, allowing you to contact emergency services if you can’t reach the phone.
- Check all thresholds, where raised flooring can present a trip hazard. If you have unsafe thresholds, ask a safety expert about flattening them or adding indoor ramps.
Ensure that your bathroom is hazard-free.
Bathrooms can present several risks for seniors, so it’s important to make smart choices when choosing your decor and accessibility features. First, be sure to add a rubber mat to your bathtub to prevent slipping. Next, consider installing grab bars near the shower and toilet so that it’s easier and safer to get around. Third, consider a raised toilet seat if you have trouble getting on and off your toilet and/or a special bathing chair to make bathing easier. In some cases, you may wish to have your shower altered to be a walk-in shower.
Protect against fires.
There are a variety of things you can do to reduce fire hazards in your home. Consider taking all of the following steps:
- Change the batteries in your smoke detector regularly. And while you’re at it, replace the batteries in your carbon monoxide detector as well!
- Replace any appliances with frayed or damaged cords.
- Limit the number of cords plugged into power strips.
- Remove all candles from your home.
- Avoid using space heaters.
Miscellaneous Tips
Some of our tips don’t fit under one of the categories listed above, but they’re also tremendously important. Keep the following recommendations in mind as you evaluate your home’s safety:
- Assess your home’s lighting. Be sure that all areas are properly lit, and consider installing night lights to make late-night trips to the bathroom easier.
- Don’t place any frequently used items on high shelves. If possible, keep everything important within arm’s reach.
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If you truly want to make your home safe, think about whether now is a good time to move into a senior living community. Not only will you gain a safe and comfortable new home, but also you’ll be able to meet new friends and enjoy fun events and activities.
If you’re hoping to retire in Jacksonville, Florida, the Beach House could be the ideal place. Our exceptional location is less than a mile from the Atlantic Ocean and near restaurants, shops, a golf course, and more. Our friendly and compassionate staff members offer individualized care 24/7, ensuring the safety, security, and happiness of all residents. The Beach House provides assisted living, memory care, and respite care. Most importantly, we tailor these services to suit the unique needs of each resident. To learn more about our amenities or schedule a tour, please contact us online or give us a call at 904-615-8076. We look forward to hearing from you!