Many seniors wish to remain in the comfort of their own homes as they age. However, the home can have various safety risks, making it important to implement preventative safety measures to protect seniors from injuries.
JUMP TO:
Falls, in particular, are a major concern for those who wish to age in place, as they are the leading cause of injury among senior Canadians, affecting 20-30% of seniors each year. These falls account for around 85% of injury-related senior hospitalizations, 95% of all hip fractures, and result in over $2 billion in direct healthcare costs annually. Tragically, more than 33% of seniors admitted to long-term care facilities enter due to fall-related injuries that typically happen in the home.
Beyond falls, burns are another significant risk for seniors at home. Aging-related factors such as slower reaction times, medical conditions, and financial situations increase the likelihood of these types of injuries, particularly in the kitchen. By addressing the most common home safety hazards, seniors can maintain their independence and continue living at home safely.
At Senior Home Care by Angels, we prioritize senior safety and are dedicated to helping Canada’s senior population stay protected. Whether you require home care in Canada or not, we want to provide valuable senior home safety tips to help you or your loved one avoid injuries and enjoy a secure living environment while aging in place.
Safety Concerns To Address When Aging In Place in Canada
The best way to make sure a home is safe for a senior who is aging in place is to go through one room at a time, carefully assessing potential risks in each living space. The elderly home safety checklist we have created is designed with this approach in mind, making sure to address safety concerns in each common area in the home by providing specific items to check off the list. This thorough method of “senior proofing” your home makes sure that no detail is overlooked when it comes to the safety of an aging individual, helping to create a safer living space for aging in place.
Bathrooms
When making a home safe for seniors who wish to age in place, securing the bathroom is a top priority. Slips and falls in the bathroom are more likely to result in serious injury and can, unfortunately, lead to death. This is mainly due to the many types of hard surfaces and inherently slippery conditions. To minimize these risks, it's important to check off these steps in our elderly home safety checklist to address specific safety concerns in the bathrooms throughout the home.
- Install non-slip mats in the tub, shower, and bathroom floors to provide firm, non-slip surfaces for seniors to step and walk on.
- Investing in a walk-in tub can significantly reduce the risk of falls and promote good hygiene practices.
- Install grab bars near the shower, tub, and toilet to offer support and stability, helping seniors maintain their balance.
- Installing a non-slip shower seat will also create a safer environment for maintaining personal hygiene, and provide comfort.
- Installing bright overhead lighting that is activated by motion-sensor lights for nighttime use can prevent accidents.
- Raised toilet seats or installing higher toilets can make it easier for seniors to sit and stand without straining themselves or falling, reducing the risk of injury.
- Adjusting the water heater to a safe temperature can help prevent seniors from burns when showering and washing their hands.
Kitchen & Dining Room
In the kitchen and dining room areas of the home, safety is essential to prevent accidents, fires, and serious injuries. These areas are frequently used throughout the day, and by following our home safety checklist for seniors, you can make the kitchen and dining room safe for daily use and give yourself peace of mind.
- Proper lighting is very important in these areas, especially when older adults are cooking or baking. Increasing the amount of light in the kitchen, typically by increasing the bulb wattage and installing under-counter lighting, such as battery-operated pucks, can significantly improve visibility.
- To avoid the safety risks associated with heavy lifting or falling when using step stools, you can rearrange the kitchen, so seniors have easy access to frequently used items. Consider storing heavy items on the counter or hanging pots and pans on the wall so they are easily accessible, and don’t require lifting over the head.
- In the dining area, regularly check that furniture is sturdy and safe, to prevent injuries from it breaking. Make sure that all chairs have no wobbly arms or legs and are at the proper height so they are easy to get in and out of, and don’t collapse when sat on.
- Adding strategically placed grab bars and transfer poles, especially next to couches or slippery parts of the kitchen, can also provide extra support and stability.
Steps & Stairs
Seniors living in homes with multiple stories or who have steps to get inside will face unique challenges when it comes to mobility and safety as they age in place. Stairways can be difficult to go up and down as our bodies age, often leading to slip-and-fall accidents that can result in serious injury or even death.
One of the most effective solutions for preventing falls for seniors with limited mobility is installing a stair lift so they don’t have to walk up and down the stairs. Installing a stair lift provides a safe and reliable way to go up and down stairs, and even outdoor steps, to get into the home. However, there are additional safety measures on our home safety checklist for older adults that should be taken to further enhance stair safety in the home.
- Install Good Lighting - Making sure adequate lighting at both the top and bottom of stairways is an important safety aspect, no matter your age. Make sure there are easily accessible wall switches, or install motion-detecting lights, so they can quickly be turned on.
- Install Handrails - Installing handrails on both sides of the stairway can provide extra support and stability while going up and down stairs or steps up into the house. It also provides seniors with something to grab onto in the event they do start to fall.
- Make Sure The Flooring Is Non-Slip - Non-slip or carpeted steps can help prevent slip and falls from occurring. If the flooring on the stairs is wooden, we recommend adding a non-slip runner to make them safer.
- Consider An Access Ramp - For just a few stairs or steps up into the home, access ramps can be a practical and safer alternative. They reduce the risk of a slip and fall accident for a senior, as well as provide an easier option for seniors to walk up the ramp, rather than go up the stairs.
- Put Reflective Tape Down - For seniors with fading eyesight, adding reflective tape to distinguish the risers from treads can help them clearly see each step, reducing the risk of falling.
These stair safety precautions are part of our elderly home safety checklist because they can significantly reduce the risk of falls and help seniors safely age in place, while providing their families with peace of mind.
Living Areas
Common areas that are often used, like dens and living rooms, are one of the main places to review when making changes to address safety hazards for seniors. These areas are where seniors often spend a significant portion of their time, which means it’s important to prioritize safety in these areas. Our home safety assessment for elderly individuals includes simple yet effective recommendations to create a safer and more comfortable environment in the living areas.
- Start by reducing the amount of furniture and cleaning up any clutter to make it easier to maneuver around the space.
- Consider replacing any furniture that has sharp edges with pieces that have rounded corners to prevent injuries if a fall occurs.
- Use non-slip area rugs to reduce the risk of falls.
- Ensure that electric cords are either covered or re-routed to address tripping hazards.
- Remote-controlled lighting and temperature controls are an additional bonus that reduces the need for seniors to maneuver through the room in the dark.
- Strategically placed grab bars and transfer poles for extra support and stability when getting up, sitting down, or walking through living areas are also beneficial.
Bedrooms
When going over bedroom safety for seniors who wish to age in place, focus on creating an environment that is accessible, secure, and comfortable for them. Clutter-free walkways are an important part of our home safety checklist for seniors, as they reduce the risk of tripping and falling. Proper lighting is another key factor, and installing nightlights throughout the room or motion-sensor lights can help seniors see and maneuver through their bedrooms safely if they need to get out of bed at night.
- Set up a charging station next to the bed for medical devices, phones, and other electronic devices, ensuring they are within easy reach, and cords are not tripping hazards.
- Keep emergency numbers placed next to the bed and a phone within reach for quick access in case of an emergency situation.
- Installing a bed rail can also offer extra support for getting in and out of bed.
Ensuring a safe home environment for seniors is crucial to help them age in place comfortably and securely. However, sometimes additional support is needed to maintain their well-being. At Senior Home Care by Angels, we offer compassionate and reliable in-home care services, such as fall prevention, private senior care and in-home companion care, designed to provide seniors with the assistance they need while preserving their independence.
If you or a loved one needs help with daily activities, mobility support, or companionship, our professional caregivers are here to help. Call Senior Home Care by Angels today to learn more about how we can support your family and provide peace of mind. Let us help make aging in place safer and more comfortable for you and your loved ones.