A home should be a safe sanctuary of comfort and security. However, 60% of incidents of senior adult falls occur within the home. As aging adults lose their mobility, experience changes in vision and hearing, and lose balance due to medical conditions, the risk of falls and injury increases. More than 1 in 4 senior adults fall every year. Below are helpful tips to decrease your loved one’s risk of injury and create a safe environment for aging at home.

Assess the Home

Start by performing a thorough assessment of your aging loved one’s home with the HomeSpark Home Safety Assessment. Walk every inch of your loved one’s home, from their front yard and entryway to the foyers, looking for potential risks like rugs, clutter, staircases without railings, and sharp edges. Every room should have frequently used items in easy-to-reach locations and adequate lighting. Place grab bars in bathrooms, near toilets, and inside showers or bathtubs. Place non-slip mats in the bathroom, kitchen, and other areas prone to moisture.

Prevent Falls

The risk of falling is one of the most dangerous hazards for aging individuals. Performing a home safety check will help to reduce that risk, preventing potential fractures and head injuries. In addition to removing tripping and slipping hazards, talk to your loved one’s doctor about their risk of dizziness from blood pressure, mobility, nutrition, or medication. If your loved one does fall, it’s important to know what to do and act quickly. Start by assessing their fall to ensure that immediate medical attention isn’t needed. Ask them if you can help them up safely, but if they are hesitant, in pain, bleeding, or unconscious, call 911 immediately. If safe to do so, slowly help your loved one back to their feet and continue to monitor their health.

Install Safety Devices

Regularly check smoke detectors, practice electrical safety, and reduce the risk of fire in your loved one’s home. Use smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms and consider a medical alert system for emergency assistance to help your loved one age safely.

Have an Emergency Plan

Discuss your concerns with your loved one and work together to create an evacuation route in case of emergency. Create a primary plan and a backup plan for a safe and accessible exit from the home in case of an emergency that you are confident your loved one would be capable of even if they were home alone. Practice the evacuation route at least twice a year so it’s memorable.

Promote Safe Exercise

Maintaining your loved one’s physical health is important for a safe and happy home environment. Not only does maintaining mobility at an old age improve your loved one’s quality of life, but it’s also important for responding quickly to emergency situations and preventing injuries. Talk to your loved one’s doctor about an appropriate exercise regime that incorporates strength training, balance, coordination, flexibility, and endurance.

Rely on a Professional Caregiver

By making thoughtful modifications and providing ongoing support, you can create a safe and comfortable environment for your aging loved one. These measures will help them maintain their independence while ensuring their safety and well-being. If you are concerned about your loved one’s safety at home, turn to a non-medical in-home caregiver for help.

At HomeSpark, our trained professionals can perform a Home Safety Assessment and make recommendations to make your loved one’s home a safer environment. Contact us to learn more about our services.