Checklist: Safety Proofing Your Loved One’s Home

Many seniors choose to live independently out of the comfort of their home for as long as they can without entering assisted living, however it is important to consider the risks when making the decision to do so. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 11 million, or 28%, of people aged 65 and older live alone. In doing so, seniors are more at risk of falls, burns, and drowning. In fact, falls are the leading cause of fatal injury and the most common cause of nonfatal trauma-related hospital admissions among older adults.

While those who choose to live independently are more prone to injury, there are still adjustments that seniors can make to their homes to lower the risk of falls and other accidents. Here’s a simple checklist.

1. Emergency Phone Numbers
   • Keep emergency numbers by the phone. At minimum, have the numbers of the local police department, fire department, poison control, neighbors, and relatives.
   • Write down and program at least one number of a person who lives out of town in the case of a power outage or natural disaster and local numbers are not in service.
   • In the case of an emergency, there may not be able to access the phone, so you might consider purchasing a medical alert system that connects to your phone or tablet that your can wear as a necklace. At the press of a button, the necklace will notify emergency personnel to respond to your call.
2. Handrails
   • Install handrails near the toilet, shower, sink, stairs, and other areas of the house where you might need extra help with balance
   • Place grips on the floor of the shower to prevent falls
   • Station a built-in seat in the shower
3. Lighting
   • Check all light bulbs
   • Strategically place flashlights throughout the house (bedside tables, kitchen counter, desk, bathroom, etc.)
   • Place lamps by the bed and automatic sensor nightlights along stairs, paths to the bathroom, and other strategic places.
   • Install overhead lighting as low lighting can lead to altered vision.
   • Put in lighted wall light switches
4. Carpeting
   • Remove area carpets or buy rubber slip resistant backing
   • Replace worn or loose carpeting
   • Avoid wearing socks, slippers, or shoes in the house as they can catch on carpeting and cause falls
   • Put colored duct tape or extra lighting on stairs or uneven flooring
5. Cords
   • Replace cords that are frayed or broken
   • Do not place furniture on top of cords or nail/staple cords as it can create shock and cause a fire hazard. Use tape if cords need to be secured to walls.
   • Remove cords from under carpeting to uneven walking paths
   • Do not stretch cords across hallways
6. Emergency Exit Plan
   • Come up with a plan to exit the house in case of an emergency and practice it.
   • Identify all exit points of the house. Consider which exit you would use given various situations
   • Remove all obstructions from hallways and doors so you have a clear path to exit points
   • Choose an outside meeting place that is a safe distance from your home. If you live by yourself, tell your neighbors where your meeting spot is
   • Discuss your emergency exit plan with your neighbors
   • Install smoke alarms in every sleeping area, outside every sleeping area, and on every floor of the house

According to The Center for Disease Control (CDC), one in five falls cause a serious injury such as a broken bone or head injury. And while falls cause physical injury, the fear of falling causes anxiety and negative impacts on the quality of life of the elderly. By making these adjustments to your loved one’s home, he or she will feel more comfortable and confident in their daily lives.