Accidents at home are one of the leading causes of injury and death in the United States. Older adults who are aging-in-place may need to make some adjustments in their home environment due to the normal aging process.
There are age related physical and mental changes that have an affect on safety at home. A decline in the senses of vision, touch, smell and hearing may cause older adults to make errors in judgment causing an accident. Motor functions, including balance and gait, decreases in muscle strength, joint flexibility, and changes in walking patterns may also contribute to accidents at home. Sometimes adaptive equipment for elders may solve these movement difficulties. Other internal conditions that may create hazards at home are declines in memory and cognition.
However, a safer home environment is possible for older adults through correction of simple external problems within the home. Repairs and home modifications to protect older adults from falls, fires, and accidental poisonings are not difficult to accomplish. For a complete assessment of the home environment, go to the following websites: homesafetycouncil.org; medscape.com; and cpsc.gov (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission). A brief summary of these home safety measures follows. Recommendations for an elder-friendly home:
Removal of clutter: keep traffic flow areas, including stairs and landings, clear of all items including electrical and telephone cords.
Sufficient lighting: use frost tinted bulbs (to reduce glare), with maximum watts allowed in lighting fixtures; use natural lighting from windows where possible; install night lights. Use bulbs with correct wattage for light fixtures.
Safe floor coverings: use slip resistant rugs, runners, and mats and replace worn coverings on stairways; make sure coverings are secured on every step; install hand rails on both sides of stairs for entire length.
Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: check and replace batteries regularly; put a smoke detector near the bedrooms and on each level of house at 6-12 inches from ceiling; place a carbon monoxide detector near any fuel burning appliance.
Medication safety: flush outdated medicines down the toilet; keep all medication containers clearly marked with user's name, contents, instructions and expiration date; store away from children and use child-resistant caps if possible.
Location of phones: keep a phone next to bed and on low surfaces in other areas of the home. Keep emergency phone numbers next to phones.
Kitchen safety: remove flammable items from cooking area; do not wear loose long sleeves while using the range; use an exhaust fan or open windows to clear air of vapors and smoke; keep water temperature at 120 degrees or lower; keep dishes, pots and pans stored at waist to eye level.
Bathroom safety: use non-skid mats, grab bars, a shower chair, and raised toilet seat if needed.
Bedroom safety: keep lamp within reach of bed; never smoke in bed; do not sleep with any heating device on; do not put anything on top of electric blanket; use night lights.
Safe electrical equipment and outlets: make sure all appliance have UL mark; check condition and proper amp load of electrical cords; use cover plates on outlets and call electrician if outlets are warm to touch; test the red re-set button on GFCI receptacle monthly to make sure shock protection is working; keep small electrical appliances unplugged when not is use; make sure fuses are correct size for circuit breakers to prevent a fire hazard; use 3-prong plugs when necessary to reduce risk of electric shock.
Storage of flammable and volatile liquids: make sure gasoline, kerosene and other flammable liquids are stored outside of living areas in tightly capped containers; do not place containers in same area as heat or flame producing appliances, such as heaters, furnaces, water heaters, ranges or other gas appliances.
Chimney maintenance: have the chimney checked and cleaned by a licensed professional at least once a year.
Adaptive equipment: purchase special devices for mobility, reaching, bathing, and gripping to help avoid falls; install strobe lights on fire and carbon detectors, if hearing or smell impaired.
Emergency exit plan: create and practice a quick and safe exit for everyone at home; select a place to meet outside of home; design an alternate plan in case of fire; keep a first aid kit and disaster kit ready at all times; register with local authorities (town or county Office on Aging Services) for special care during disasters, if you are frail, disabled or chronically ill; learn about your town's disaster or emergency plan and find out how information will be communicated to the public. You may need to move to a safe shelter provided by a public agency or evacuate the area. If traveling away from a disaster area by auto, bring dry food, water, maps, flares and other items including your important documents. Most important, remain calm so you can recall the procedures you have put into place.
Joanne Hill, MSW, is the author of Elder Organizer: A Journal of Information for Family Elders. The book was designed for baby boomers and their aging parents to prepare for the future before a crisis strikes. More information about the book can be found at [lifeworkspublishing.com] Ms Hill has presented seminars to elders and their adult children on the subject of Strategies for Aging Adults, The Secrets to Longevity, and Teaming Up With Your Doctor to promote the well being of elders. To contact Ms. Hill email
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