Safety Hazards in the Home for the Elderly

We know that our elderly loved ones want to maintain their independence and continue living in their own homes for as long as possible. Here at Griswold, we believe every senior deserves to live in an environment where they feel safe and secure. A few simple adjustments can make the house safe for elderly adults

Safety Hazards in the Home for the Elderly

The keys to elderly home safety are prevention and preparation. Here are some of the top safety hazards in the home for the elderly:

Preventing Falls in High Traffic Areas.

Falls are a major concern when it comes to elderly safety in the home. Cluttered floors and hallways pose a significant risk for our elderly loved ones. A misplaced electrical cord or even a shifted rug could lead to dangerous falls. Minimizing the risk of falls can be done by making sure there are clear pathways wherever your elderly loved one will be walking. You can do this by:

• Keeping electrical cords, end tables, and ottomans away from walking areas.

• Remove area rugs, as they can become scrunched and become a tripping hazard or slide out from underneath feet. If you do use area rugs, make sure they are secured to the floor with backing tape.

• Keep hallways and other pathways well-lit so any obstacles are easy to spot.

Safeguarding the Bathrooms

The bathroom can be one of the most hazardous spaces due to its inherently wet and slippery nature. Stepping into bathtubs and sitting down and getting up off the toilet can also become tricky and potentially dangerous.

• Install grab bars in the shower and near the toilet to assist with balance and moving around.

• Use rubber mats in the bathtub to prevent slips. A shower seat is also helpful for stability (and your peace of mind).

Fire Safety Precautions

Fires are unpredictable and can escalate quickly. For seniors, reacting swiftly might be challenging, making fire prevention all the more critical.

• Make sure smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are properly installed with fresh batteries once a year.

• Make sure electrical appliances are in working order and not over-crowding an outlet or extension cord.

• Have at least one fire extinguisher in the kitchen. One on every floor is even better.

Managing Medications

As we age, medications often become a regular part of life. However, managing multiple prescriptions can get tricky, especially if one struggles with memory

• Ask their pharmacist for large print labels. Some pharmacies will also create pill packets with all the medications your loved one needs to take each day, with separate packs for different times of the day if needed.

• Store medications in a well-lit area so labels can be easily read.

  Download Our FREE Home Safety Tips Guide

Making the house safe for elderly adults is important but not an overwhelming or difficult task. Most items on the list are common sense and actually make the house safer for everyone who lives there or visits. The peace of mind that comes from knowing you made the house safe for your elderly loved ones is worth the cost of a few grab bars and removing a few rugs.