Home safety is a concern for everyone but especially for seniors. Care should be taken to ensure the safety of seniors throughout the home – the dangers hiding around your house will surprise you! However, there are precautions everyone can adapt to their routines that can help everyone stay safe. There’s no reason anyone has to give up any part of their day, even when they need extra help. With these tips, you can help keep seniors safe!
Home Safety: Trips and Falls
One of the key dangers for senior citizens is their risk of falling. Slipping, tripping, or falling can lead to life-threatening injuries for seniors. Seniors greatly benefit from having an alert bracelet to rely on in case they ever fall and can’t get help on their own.
You can help reduce this danger by making sure they have no-slip shoes to wear around the house. It’s also important to make sure walkways remain free of trip hazards. Many seniors need help with this – you can always find housekeeping services to help out!
Home Safety: Avoid Bathroom Dangers
The bathroom can be inherently dangerous for anyone – most of us have at least slipped a little while we take a shower or strained a muscle moving carelessly. Home safety for seniors requires even more forethought. Having nonslip strips in the bottom of the tub is a must, even if the senior doesn’t take a stand-up shower. Falling in the tub can be detrimental to seniors and sometimes even fatal. It’s also a great idea to install bars anywhere a senior might need a little stabilizing help. This can include by the shower, around the toilet, or on walls by the sink.
Home Safety: Fire Hazards
Fire can claim a house quickly – sometimes, too quickly to react. The best way to keep seniors safe from fires is prevention. Make sure fire alarms (and carbon monoxide alarms) always have fresh batteries. Electrical items, like outlets or cords, should be periodically checked to make sure they’re not at risk to start fires. In some cases, it’s best for home safety to remove candles, especially if the resident is a little forgetful.
Protect Your Loved Ones
Home safety is a crucial necessity for seniors, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. With a little proactive thinking and some light housekeeping, you can help keep your loved ones safe from most household dangers.