Do you know that most falls suffered by older adults occur in the home? While the home is considered one of the safest places, it does not mean it poses no danger for your loved ones. If your loved ones are staying alone, it’s essential to make sure that the house is fall-proof and your loved ones are able to move around without any accidents occurring. Aside from making the home a safe and comfortable living space for your loved ones, the importance of protecting your loved ones against danger should also be considered. As such, in this article, we’ll be looking into some tips and tricks to ensure home safety for the elderly.
General Home Safety Tips
The living room is probably the area in the house where your loved ones spend most of their time. Here is a checklist to make sure the room proves no real danger for your loved ones.
- Organize any exposed wires. Tangled wires that are left on the floor can cause your loved ones to trip and fall, especially so when the room is dark.
- Declutter any mess. This is an activity that may require some assistance, so do keep a lookout for any mess if you’re visiting your loved ones. Do make sure the floor is free of any objects to provide a safe walking space.
- Install a medical alert system. This allows your loved ones to have quick and easy access to professional help when there’s an emergency. At Discovery Village At The West End, medical alert systems are already provided in our apartments.
Safety Tips for the Bathroom
As water puddles can result in your loved ones falling, the bathroom is one of the most dangerous areas in the home. To prevent falls or any injuries, simply follow the steps listed below:
- Install grab bars around the toilet and in the shower or bathtub. This provides support for your loved ones when they have to sit or stand, especially if they’re not as physically capable of moving around.
- Placed bath mats inside and outside the bathroom. If it’s possible, get your hands on bath mats that have good anti-slip resistance to reduce the risk of falls.
- Install bright lighting. This should be arranged not only in the bathroom but in the entire house as well. Some loved ones may suffer from vision problems, so it can be a challenge for them to navigate around safely.
Safety Tips for the Kitchen
Just like the bathroom, the kitchen can pose many hazards for your loved ones. Therefore, it’s important to make sure your loved ones can cook and prepare dishes safely.
- Round the edges of countertops. In the case of your loved ones falling, a sharp edge can result in serious injuries. A rounded edge is much safer and is not prone to chipping over time.
- Ensure that the countertops and surface areas are free of clutter at all times. The workspace should be clean and neat.
- Store all sharp utensils such as knives and scissors away in a designated space.
- The cabinets should be easily reachable without your loved ones having to climb on a stool.
