{"id":6021,"date":"2023-10-04T13:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-10-04T20:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.realtyexecutives.com\/blog\/?p=6021"},"modified":"2023-09-28T13:26:14","modified_gmt":"2023-09-28T20:26:14","slug":"6-actionable-tips-to-increase-home-safety-of-seniors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.realtyexecutives.com\/blog\/6-actionable-tips-to-increase-home-safety-of-seniors","title":{"rendered":"6 Actionable Tips to Increase Home Safety of Seniors"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.realtyexecutives.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Blog-Images-8.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"450\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.realtyexecutives.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Blog-Images-8.png\" alt=\"Two seniors sitting on a couch happily, symbolizing home safety of seniors.\" class=\"wp-image-6022\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.realtyexecutives.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Blog-Images-8.png 450w, https:\/\/www.realtyexecutives.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Blog-Images-8-300x200.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>For <a href=\"https:\/\/ihpi.umich.edu\/news\/most-older-adults-want-age-place-many-havent-taken-steps-help-them-do-so-poll-finds\">88% of people<\/a> aged between 50 and 80, it is highly desirable to live in their homes as long as possible. However, nearly half of them (47%) give little to no thought to modifying their living places. Such modifications should concern increasing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.realtyexecutives.com\/blog\/tag\/home-safety\">home safety<\/a>, first and foremost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Why is a safe living place crucial for the elderly, and how can you make your home more secure to age in?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let us answer those questions in turn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--more-->\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Reasons for Extra Home Safety in Older Age<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As many <a href=\"https:\/\/www.realtyexecutives.com\/blog\/how-senior-citizens-are-impacting-the-housing-market\">senior citizens are staying in place<\/a>, in-home safety is an important topic that correlates to the quality of life in older adults as they age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It contributes to the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Supporting physical health<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Caring for mental well-being<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Achieving higher comfort in life<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Remaining independent longer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Establishing peace of mind for the family<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Noticeably, older people who live alone are more vulnerable to burglary, robbery, and fraud, based on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ojp.gov\/ncjrs\/virtual-library\/abstracts\/overview-elderly-victimization\">the research<\/a>. They are increasingly becoming victims of fraudsters. This is one of several reasons why designing a safer living space for an elderly person is a must.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Make Home Safe for a Senior<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Implement these strategies to achieve aging-in-place security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a><strong>1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <\/strong><strong>Order a home safety assessment<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>How do you know what safety measures are lacking in your home? By conducting a home safety audit, of course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to Shawn Plummer, CEO of <a href=\"http:\/\/annuityexpertadvice.com\/\">The Annuity Expert<\/a>, \u201cone of the health insurance plans in the US, namely Medicare Part B, provides coverage for home safety inspections. For some services, however, you might have to pay 20% of the price as a coinsurance fee for this inspection. It is possible to get a home safety evaluation for free during a \u2018Welcome to Medicare\u2019 preventive visit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Alternatively, you may hire professionals to assess the safety level of the property. The cost of such a service varies from $150 to $500 depending on the property size and location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s a list of companies to consider:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Age Safe America<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Home of Mine<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Live In Place<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Universal Home Consulting<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>LivWell Seniors<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Home Safety Innovations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>What if we told you that you can measure the elderly safety level of any home on your own with one single tool? It\u2019s a rating system developed by Age Friendly Ireland for homeowners and tenants. It can be applied to any type of housing in an urban or rural area. <a href=\"https:\/\/agefriendlyireland.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AFI-Homes-Rating-Checklist.pdf\">Download this age-friendly homes rating system<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a><strong>2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <\/strong><strong>Create your aging-in-place checklist<\/strong><strong> (or use a pre-made one)<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Below, you can find a common checklist for an elderly-friendly living place with room-by-room safety and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.realtyexecutives.com\/blog\/how-to-make-your-home-accessible-for-aging-parents\">home accessibility upgrades<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>\u25cf&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <strong>Kitchen<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>A couple of things you may need to think about are pull-out shelves, grabber tools, spill-proof cups, timers on appliances, automatic turn-off devices, plasticware instead of glass, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>\u25cf&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <strong>Bedroom<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.assistedlivingcenter.com\/designing-a-senior-accessible-bedroom\/\">A senior-accessible bedroom<\/a> should include the following: an adjustable bed, a waterproof mattress protector, a bed rail, a bedside fall mat, a medication organizer, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>\u25cf&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <strong>Bathroom<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Consider some <a href=\"https:\/\/www.realtyexecutives.com\/blog\/cost-effective-ways-to-update-a-bathroom\">essential bathroom improvements<\/a> for seniors like a right-height <a href=\"https:\/\/www.realtyexecutives.com\/blog\/placing-the-toilet-in-your-bathroom-renovation\">toilet<\/a>, grab bars, non-slip mats, walk-in tub, shower chair, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>\u25cf&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <strong>Living room<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>To improve home safety for aging in place, look for these items in and around the living room: supportive and sturdy furniture, well-lit pathways, uncluttered floors, lift chairs, transfer aids, stand assist handles, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>\u25cf&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <strong>Corridor and entries<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Here, a bench is a must-have to take on and off shoes. You may also need to widen doorways and install ramps to ensure an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.realtyexecutives.com\/blog\/finding-an-accessible-home\">accessible home<\/a> for seniors with walkers and wheelchairs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Generally, some wise home safety solutions for older people are no-slip wax or strips on floors and grab bars in each room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a><strong>3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <\/strong><strong>Do all the necessary repairs and fixes<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A broken staircase? Loose floorboards or popped nails in your hardwood floors? These are the most <a href=\"https:\/\/www.realtyexecutives.com\/blog\/house-problems-solutions-checklist\">common home problems<\/a> that increase the possibility of accidents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s also necessary to think beyond the rooms when you aim at making a home safer for seniors,\u201d recommends Tom Nolan, Founder of <a href=\"https:\/\/allstarhome.com\/\">All Star Home<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cYou may need to walk around the house to determine your home improvement needs. It may be a leaking roof, broken windows, clogged gutters, or other outside things that put your home at risk. In some cases, replacing a roof, door, or window is not enough, and you might have to remodel or renovate the house completely,\u201d he adds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.realtyexecutives.com\/blog\/summer-renovation-tips-and-ideas\">Home renovation projects<\/a> are quite costly, yet, they are sometimes obligatory. You can finance property improvements with homeowner loans, personal loans, or home remortgaging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a><strong>4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <\/strong><strong>Remove potential hazards<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=kEyKtP-MibU\">study by Home Instead Senior Care<\/a>, 65% of US adults claimed their parents\u2019 homes have at least one potential safety issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is worth noting that falls are a leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for seniors. In fact, every 11 seconds, an older adult in the US is treated in an emergency room for falls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, elderly pet owners face a higher risk of fall-related injury. If you are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.realtyexecutives.com\/blog\/adding-a-pet-to-your-home\">adding<\/a> a pet to the home, undertake some extra home safety measures. Create a play zone for pets and find a dedicated space for pet toys, as well as feeding and watering accessories, to remove them from walkways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s look at some other possible threats to senior safety at home:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Clutter<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Trip-and-fall items (cords, wires, small rugs, unstable furniture)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Slippery surfaces (serious <a href=\"https:\/\/www.realtyexecutives.com\/blog\/health-hazards-bathroom-avoid\">health hazards in your bathroom<\/a> and kitchen due to spilled liquids or grease)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Breakable things<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sharp objects (knives, table corners)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t forget about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.realtyexecutives.com\/blog\/kitchen-safety-tips\">kitchen safety tips<\/a> to prevent electrical fires. Kitchen fires kill about 480 people every year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a><strong>5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <\/strong><strong>Take care of proper lighting<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cInstalling adequate lights is an important step for creating a safe home for a senior person,\u201d believes Jesse Galanis, Content Creator at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.realestateskills.com\/\">Real Estate Skills<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cOn the one hand, it reduces obstacles to mobility. On the other hand, you can\u2019t deny the significance of proper lighting for elderly mental health. It can help seniors foster a pleasant home atmosphere, avoid depressive moods and anxiety, and improve sleep,\u201d he explains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, it\u2019s all light. You can easily <a href=\"https:\/\/www.realtyexecutives.com\/blog\/its-all-light-a-guide-to-getting-better-sleep-with-lighting\">light your way to a better sleep<\/a> and mood. Besides, you should understand the lighting needs of aging eyes. As many as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.afb.org\/research-and-initiatives\/statistics\/archived-statistics\/statistics-seniors-vision-loss\">6.1 million Americans<\/a> aged 65+ have vision loss. As the eye ages, people often experience difficulties focusing on things, adapting from a darker to a brighter space and vice versa, and distinguishing colors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.realtyexecutives.com\/blog\/upgrading-your-lighting-cool-options-to-level-up-your-home\">Upgrade your lighting<\/a> with these changes in mind: decrease reflections and shadows, make an easy light transition room-to-room, and pick the pleasant room colors (peach, terracotta, gold, brown, light green, or blue).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a><strong>6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <\/strong><strong>Increase home safety with smart technologies<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Why not make a property more secure with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.realtyexecutives.com\/blog\/smart-homes-next-big-thing\">smart home technologies<\/a>?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Take advantage of these:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Security cameras<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/reviewed.usatoday.com\/featured\/best-smart-doorbells-best-buy\/?gclid=CjwKCAjwyNSoBhA9EiwA5aYlbw57jL4zbwcyD8ntUQWntBtcQ9b4pXaOKg8LgBQZXmMyUBk7PAyzSxoCivQQAvD_BwE\">Video doorbells<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Automatic door locks and lights<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Panic buttons or Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fall detection and glass break sensors<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fire and flood monitoring technology<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Virtual assistants (Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Smart home tech devices are indispensable tools for senior safety. Not to mention that they ease life for older people considerably.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Summarizing Home Safety Tips for the Elderly<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The senior household safety strategies discussed in this article can serve as a comprehensive blueprint to create an environment that minimizes risks and maximizes the well-being of the elderly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By implementing measures such as home safety audits, room-by-room checklists, home repairs, potential threat removal, adequate lighting, and smart home devices, you can age-proof your home and stay on the safest side of the life road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let your aging journey be happy and healthy!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>For 88% of people aged between 50 and 80, it is highly desirable to live in their homes as long as possible. However, nearly half of them (47%) give little to no thought to modifying their living places. Such modifications should concern increasing home safety, first and foremost. Why is a safe living place crucial &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.realtyexecutives.com\/blog\/6-actionable-tips-to-increase-home-safety-of-seniors\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">6 Actionable Tips to Increase Home Safety of Seniors<\/span> <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mi_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0},"categories":[774,4530,782],"tags":[432,59,3802],"yst_prominent_words":[6504,1329,1973,1363,6595,1565,3790,1503,1990],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.realtyexecutives.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6021"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.realtyexecutives.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.realtyexecutives.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.realtyexecutives.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.realtyexecutives.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6021"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.realtyexecutives.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6021\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6023,"href":"https:\/\/www.realtyexecutives.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6021\/revisions\/6023"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.realtyexecutives.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6021"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.realtyexecutives.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6021"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.realtyexecutives.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6021"},{"taxonomy":"yst_prominent_words","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.realtyexecutives.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/yst_prominent_words?post=6021"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}