7 Actionable Tips to Increase Home Safety for Seniors

Most people feel emotionally attached to their homes and consider them one of their most important assets.

Understandably, 9 out of 10 American seniors would want to live in their own homes for the rest of their lives, and 8 out of 10 currently live independently in their homes. [1] Fausset CB, Kelly AJ, Rogers WA, Fisk AD. Challenges to Aging in Place: Understanding Home Maintenance Difficulties. J Hous Elderly. 2011 Spring;25(2):125-141. doi: 10.1080/02763893.2011.571105. PMID: 22072843; PMCID: PMC3209521.

Yet, only 10% of houses in the US are “aging ready” – safe and conducive for seniors living independently.

There’s an apparent need to increase home safety for seniors, not only for physical security but also for their mental well-being. If we can provide them with a safe environment, they can maintain their independence and increase their quality of life.

About 14% of seniors have mental health conditions, with depression and anxiety being the most common. A safe home can help improve these conditions. [2] World Health Organization: WHO. (2023, October 20). Mental health of older adults. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-of-older-adults

– Nancy Mitchell, Registered nurse

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It can foster a sense of belonging, comfort, and control over their surroundings. It can also reduce feelings of displacement and anxiety.

So, how do you increase home safety for seniors?  

Here’s a round-up of actional steps you can take:

1. Declutter and organize

It’s important to create clear pathways for our seniors and keep their items accessible. Remove unnecessary items and furniture, particularly those that they no longer use. 

Keep the things they frequently use within easy reach so that they can minimize bending or reaching. Remove the clutter and organize their stuff to make it easier to remember where they are stored. 

A tidy, organized, and accessible bedroom can increase comfort and reduce stress. It can also enhance memory recall, reduce frustrations, and improve concentration.

Likewise, knowing that their space is organized with safety in mind can boost their confidence to live independently without worrying about accidents.

2. Install non-slip flooring

Falls are among the most significant risks seniors face in aging, so it’s important to install safety measures to minimize them. Replace slippery rugs in their living space and put non-slip mats in the bathrooms and kitchens.

This improvement can help our seniors feel more confident navigating the house. It can also reduce the fear of accidents and anxiety about potential injuries.

– Nancy Mitchell, Registered nurse

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3. Install handrails and grab bars

Handrails and grab bars are other safety features you can install at home. They can provide physical support and help prevent falls. Install them along staircases, the bathroom, and the hallway the seniors would frequently pass by.

They can make the living space more accessible so seniors can navigate independently and more confidently. It reduces anxiety and fosters a sense of accomplishment, improving mental well-being.

4. Ensure proper lighting

Installing proper lighting around the house is important to ensure visibility and reduce the risk of accidents. Let the natural light come in and install night lights in their bedrooms, bathrooms, and hallways.

Proper lighting can improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression.

Natural light exposure can also improve sleep quality and reduce sleep interruptions. And when they get enough sleep, it helps minimize stress and anxiety.

5. Choose comfortable and supportive furniture

Choose furniture pieces that provide comfort and support for our seniors. They must be comfortable and easy to get in and out of.

Comfortable furniture not only contributes to physical well-being but also improves mental health. They can enhance mood and satisfaction among our seniors.

6. Use technology assistance

You can leverage technology when improving home safety for seniors. Use smart home devices, medication management systems, fall detection sensors, emergency response systems, and security alarms and cameras.

These devices can aid in safety, such as monitoring the home and sending alerts for unusual activities, reminders, and quick assistance in emergencies.

Technology can provide a sense of safety for our aging loved ones. So they’ll be less stressed and anxious about potential threats. It can also give the caregivers peace of mind.

– Nancy Mitchell, Registered nurse

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7. Ensure regular check-ins

While our seniors would want to be able to live independently, it’s still important to have regular check-ins with them. From time to time, you have to check that the home safety measures are still working properly.

More importantly, checking in with the seniors is a way to provide them with emotional support. It can help you detect any issues early, as well as make them feel loved and cared for. 

The sense of belonging and support can help improve their mental well-being.

How to communicate home safety with seniors

While you have the best intentions, some seniors may need help understanding why you have to put several safety measures at home or may be skeptical about the changes. 

Proper communication is key.

• Frame the changes as a collaboration. It’s important not to impose anything on your loved one. You must work together to create a safe living environment, so involve them in the process. When communicating the safety measures, use inclusive language to emphasize that it’s a collaboration.

• Highlight independence. Emphasize the benefits of safety measures to their independence. For instance, tell them that the home improvements will allow them to move around more freely and safely.

• Use positive language. Use positive and empowering words so you don’t sound like you’re limiting or restricting them from doing their activities. Words like “support” and “enhancements” convey a positive message compared to “risks” or “unsafe.”

• Acknowledge their preferences. When discussing safety measures with seniors, consider their preferences and lifestyle. Ask for their input and incorporate their choices to improve their home’s safety. Make them feel in control of the decisions by providing options and allowing them to choose what they prefer. Encourage them to give feedback and ask questions, acknowledge their concerns, and address them with empathy.

Closing thoughts

Aging in place is a desirable option for most seniors, and we can help them achieve it by implementing home safety measures that also enhance their mental well-being. 

The actionable steps above can help create a home environment that fosters a sense of safety, independence, and control over their surroundings. 

Let’s work together to make our seniors’ homes safe, comfortable, and conducive to their mental health.

A word from Calmerry

We at Calmerry extend our deepest appreciation to the caregivers who tirelessly dedicate themselves to this noble task. 

We recognize the physical and emotional demands placed on you. They often lead to caregiver burnout and stress. 

If you find the weight of your responsibilities growing heavy, we encourage you to seek professional support. Caring for others begins with caring for yourself. 

Our platform connects caregivers with compassionate online therapists who specialize in addressing burnout, stress, and the unique challenges faced by those in caregiving roles. 

Let us support you in this journey, ensuring you have the strength and resilience to continue providing the best care to those who depend on you.