Safety Tips for Seniors

As the number of seniors choosing to age in place continues to grow, seniors need to take precautions to ensure they’re safe in and outside the home. In honor of National Safety Month, consider the following tips to decrease your chances of injury so you can remain independent as you age.

Prevent falls

Falls are one of the most significant safety factors that concern seniors. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 36 million older adults report falling yearly. The number makes falls seem like an evitable part of aging, but there are steps you can take to reduce your chances of falling at home and in public.

Preventing falls at home

The majority of falls happen inside the home. Consider the following tips to keep your home safe and fall-free.

Clear hallways of clutter. Make sure your hallways are clear of unnecessary clutter. You can put items in storage or consider shelves to keep things on the wall instead of the floor.
Insert handrails and grab bars. Handrails and grab bars help you keep your balance. Common places to install rails include the shower, around the toilet, or near your bed.
Keep essentials on the main floor. If you have a home with multiple levels, keep the items you used most on the main floor to limit the number of times you walk up and down stairs.
Use motion sensor lights in your most visited rooms. Motion sensor lights are active when you enter a room, so you can see without finding the light switch. Put motion sensor lights in any commonly used rooms, including the bathroom and hallways.

Preventing falls outside the home

You can’t control how other people arrange their homes or public spaces, but there are steps you can take to reduce your chances of falling, no matter where you are.

Wear sturdy footwear. Ensure your shoes provide proper support and fit without space for your foot to move around inside the shoe. Try to avoid slip-on shoes or heels as they make it easier for you to trip.
Use a walker or cane. Walkers and canes are great for helping you keep your balance. Plus, many walkers have built-in seats if you need to rest your legs on a long walk.
Walk with a companion. If you’re enjoying a walk in the neighborhood or going for a hike, bring a friend who can provide physical support if you need it.

Protect your home against fires

House fires are a safety concern for people of all ages. The most important thing to remember if you find yourself in a house fire is to call 911 immediately and exit the building if you can do so safely. Don’t try to put the fire out, and don’t worry about collecting items to save if the fire spreads. Also, ensure your smoke alarm is up-to-date with new batteries every four to six months.

To reduce the chances of fires, start by inspecting your home appliances. Ensure all the cords to your stove, fridge, and microwave are in good condition, free of breaks or frays. You also want to check your outlets and don’t put too many plugs on one outlet strip. Finally, be aware of your surroundings while cooking. If you’re using the stove, don’t wear long, flowing sleeves that may catch fire. Also, remember to turn off any electronics and appliances after you use them.

Stay safe from home invasions

Home invasions are not as common as they once were, thanks to high-tech security systems, but it’s still essential to ensure you and your home are protected from potential intruders. If you haven’t already, consider investing in an alarm system for your home. You don’t need something fancy, but find something that minimally sounds an alarm and contacts the police in the case of a break-in. Also, lock all doors when you leave and when you’re at home, especially at night before bed.

Hire an at-home caregiver

One of the easiest ways to stay safe at home is to hire an at-home caregiver. A caregiver’s role is to help you stay independent while assisting you with daily tasks that you may have trouble completing independently. These tasks can include carrying the laundry up a flight of stairs or cooking meals over an open fire. Caregivers can also assist with personal grooming, transportation, and medication reminders.

Our Gulf Shores office serves those in the Alabama Gulf Coast including Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. If you’d like to learn more about our at-home care services, call us at 251.943.7525 or send us a message.