Essential Aging in Place Safety Checklist for Your Loved Ones
Essential Aging in Place Safety Checklist for Your Loved Ones
Identifying Potential Hazards
Does your mom still have decorative throw rugs scattered around her home?
Is your dad’s living room cluttered with magazines, newspapers, books, and other items?
Do you worry that your aging loved one may slip and fall in their shower or bathtub?
If you answered yes to any one of those questions, your aging loved one may not be able to safely age in place.
“We know that an overwhelming majority of seniors want to remain in their own homes for as long as possible. Unfortunately, all too often we find that seniors and their families haven’t considered some of the challenges that may threaten their ability to do so,” said Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations director at the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “With a few simple modifications, families can make their loved ones’ homes easier to navigate and safer to live in, so they can remain independent for as long as possible.”
Goetz said it’s important for families to go room-by-room, looking for potential hazards or ways to make the living space safer.
Room-by-Room Safety Modifications
Kitchen Safety Tips
- Ensure the Room is Well-Lit: Adequate lighting helps prevent accidents.
- Move Cooking Utensils Within Easy Reach: Reduces the need for climbing or stretching.
- Provide Pots with Two Handles: Easier to handle and less likely to cause spills.
- Replace Glass Items with Plastic: Reduces the risk of breakage and injury.
- Inspect Smoke Detectors Regularly: Check at least every three months.
- Invest in Automatic Shut-Off Devices: For the stove and other appliances to prevent fires.
Bathroom Safety Tips
- Install Grab Bars: In the bath/shower and near the toilet for stability.
- Replace Standard Toilet with a Raised Toilet: Easier for seniors to use.
- Add Non-Slip Strips to Shower/Tub: To prevent slipping.
- Invest in a Shower Chair: For added safety while bathing.
- Replace Faucet Handles: With ones that are easier to use.
- Ensure Bright Lighting and Night Lights: Helps prevent accidents.
- Make Necessities Easily Accessible: To reduce the need for reaching or bending.
Living Room, Bedrooms, and Hallways Safety Tips
- Clean Up Clutter: Remove magazines, books, extension cords, and other tripping hazards.
- Toss Throw Rugs and Tack Down Loose Carpet: Prevents tripping.
- Add Nightlights: For guidance in the dark.
- Replace Doorknobs with Lever Handles: Easier for seniors to use.
Stairway Safety Tips
- Install or Tighten Handrails: On both sides of each stairway for support.
- Place Light Switches and Nightlights: At the bottom and top of the stairs for visibility.
- Replace Outside Steps with Ramps: Easier and safer for seniors to navigate.
Importance of Professional Care
“These small changes can make a big difference when it comes to a senior’s ability to remain safely in their home,” Goetz said. “However, home modifications alone may not be enough – particularly for seniors who live alone. They may eventually need a little help with everyday tasks like grocery shopping, meal preparation, housekeeping, and personal care.”
HCAN’s Customized Care Plans
HCAN caregivers are trained to provide everything from companionship to personal and Alzheimer’s care. Because every senior is unique, we work with families to develop customized care plans to meet their specific needs.
“Family members can’t always be there to help, but we can be,” Goetz said. “Whether it’s a couple of hours a week or 24/7, our caregivers provide the services needed to help seniors age safely in their homes – because that’s where they really want to be.”
To download a free home safety checklist. For more information about HCAN services, visit hcanthrive.com or call your local HCAN-supported office.