Home safety for the elderly | 17 - 05 - 2025
Seniors are living at home longer. And this is reflected in the increase in fall incidents of this age group. Over the past decade, the number of people over 65 who ended up in the emergency room (ED) with serious injuries after a fall increased by 17%. For the 65-74 age group, this increase was as high as 22%*. It is therefore important that housing adapt to changing mobility and safety needs.
Creating a safe living environment helps seniors maintain their independence and minimize the risk of accidents. This blog provides practical home safety tips, a home safety checklist and important modifications to help seniors ‘age in place’.
Common hazards in the home
Many hazards in the home pose a significant risk to seniors, leading to falls, burns, or other injuries. Some of the most common dangers include:
- Slippery floors and unsecured rugs
- Poor lighting in hallways and staircases
- Cluttered or obstructed pathways
- Lack of grab bars in key areas like the bathroom
- Unstable furniture or loose cords that can cause trips and falls
Room-by-room safety tips
1) Living room and bedroom
- Keep pathways clear and free of clutter.
- Secure rugs and carpets with non-slip backing.
- Install adequate lighting, including nightlights for visibility in the dark.
- Ensure frequently used items are within easy reach.
2) Bathroom
- Install grab bars near the toilet and in the shower or bathtub.
- Use non-slip mats on the floor and inside the bathtub.
- Consider using a shower seat to reduce the risk of falls.
3) Kitchen
- Store frequently used items on lower shelves to avoid unnecessary reaching.
- Check appliances regularly to prevent electrical hazards.
- Use a timer to prevent forgetting food on the stove.
Fall prevention
Falls are one of the most common causes of injuries among seniors. American figures show that about 28% of seniors over age 65 report at least one fall each year. However, many falls can be prevented with the right precautions. Here are some key strategies:
- Keep floors clear of clutter and tripping hazards.
- Ensure all rooms have proper lighting, especially in high-risk areas like staircases and hallways.
- Encourage seniors to use assistive devices such as canes or walkers when needed.
- Install handrails and grab bars in critical areas, such as bathrooms and hallways.
- Promote regular physical activity to improve balance, strength, and coordination.
Staircase safety
Thus, falls are one of the leading causes of injury in the elderly, and stairs pose a significant risk in this regard. Here’s how to enhance staircase safety:
- Ensure stairs are well-lit with bright lighting.
- Install sturdy handrails on both sides of the staircase.
- Use non-slip treads to prevent slipping.
For those with limited mobility or difficulties climbing stairs, stairlifts provide a secure and effortless way to navigate stairs. A stairlift ensures that seniors can move safely between floors, reducing the risk of falls and promoting independence.
General safety measures
1) Emergency preparedness
- Keep a list of emergency contacts in an easily accessible location.
- Install and regularly check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
2) Medication management
- Use a pill organizer to prevent mix-ups.
- Store medications in their original containers with clear labels.
Mobility aids and home modifications
Besides stairlifts, other modifications can greatly enhance home safety:
- Install handrails in hallways and other key areas.
- Use walkers or canes for additional support.
- Consider a bed rail for extra support when getting in and out of bed.
* Figures taken from Veiligheid.nl from Dutch population study between 2014 and 2023.
About UP Stairlift
Ensuring a safe home environment allows elderly individuals to maintain their independence and quality of life. By following these home safety tips and making necessary modifications, seniors can reduce risks and stay comfortable in their homes for longer.
For a personalized home safety assessment or more information on stairlifts, contact us today. Investing in home safety is an investment in peace of mind!
Frequently asked questions
about ‘Home Safety for the Elderly’
Home safety helps prevent accidents, such as falls and burns, allowing seniors to live independently and comfortably while reducing the risk of serious injuries.
Remove tripping hazards, improve lighting, install grab bars in key areas, use non-slip mats, and ensure frequently used items are easily accessible.
Keep floors clutter-free, install handrails and grab bars, ensure proper lighting, encourage regular exercise to improve balance, and use assistive devices when needed.
Install sturdy handrails on both sides, improve lighting, use non-slip stair treads, and consider installing a stairlift for added safety and ease of movement.
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