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Elderly Home Safety Checklist 2022 1

Elderly Home Safety Checklist 2022

A home safety checklist for seniors is a great way to assess an entire living space and determine where potential hazards could arise. Falls and injuries can occur in any room in the home. They are most prevalent in places like bathrooms and staircases, but hazards can be present in each and every room. It is important to make a list of all potential safety concerns and take preventative measures to address each and every one.

STATISTICS ABOUT HOME SAFETY

The AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) Public Policy Institute says that nearly 87% of adults age 65 and over prefer to stay in their current home and community as they get older(4).

The AARP is the United States’ largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with 38 million members in every state(5).

The organization empowers people to choose how they live as they age. It works to strengthen communities and advocate for what matters most to seniors, focusing on health security, personal fulfillment, and financial stability.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), approximately 1.4 million seniors, age 65 or older, are treated in emergency rooms for injuries related to consumer products each year. Although injuries in and around the home can happen in many different ways, falls usually tend to be the biggest culprit.

These numbers shed some light on just how prone to falls and injury seniors can be in their home:

  • Over 8 million hospital ER trips are the result of falls, which is the leading cause of visits
  • According to the CPSC, more than two million fall injuries each year are the product of floors and flooring materials
  • 1 and three people over the age of 65 in the United States experiences a fall each year
  • Incidence of falls rises as each decade of living passes
  • 60% of fall-associated deaths occur in those who are 75 or older

BEING PREPARED FOR EMERGENCY SITUATIONS

If you wait until an emergency situation rears its head, it will already be too late. It is important to prepare in advance and not only take preventative measures but also have a plan in place if you need to exit your house quickly or get help.

FIRE SAFETY

Fire safety should be a part of any home safety checklist for seniors. Seniors are at higher risk than others when it comes to residential fires. The elderly are three times more likely to pass away in a residential fire than those who are younger.

Having your home assessed is necessary to determine what your smoke alarm needs are. Once you’ve had an assessment, you will know where you need smoke alarms and which rooms they need to be installed. Being educated when it comes to fire safety could wind up saving your life.

ARE THE ROOMS IN YOUR HOME SAFE?

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) describes “aging in place” as the ability to live in one’s own home and community comfortably, independently, and safely(6).

Unfortunately, millions of the elderly live in homes that do not have the important accessibility features to help them live safely and independently(7).

One in every three seniors has trouble using some home features, says the Census Bureau(8).

Potential hazards and at-home risks could be putting the elderly’s safety, and even their lives, in harm’s way. They may also blame themselves needlessly when things go wrong.

A common misconception is that injuries occurring to seniors within their homes are usually related to falls on stairs or in bathrooms. Injuries and dangers within the home are not limited to falling, however, and can happen in many different ways. Home safety could potentially be at risk in almost any room in a given house. Any home safety checklist for seniors should include each part of the home.

BATHROOM SAFETY

The bathroom is one of the most common locations for injuries to occur within the homes of the elderly. Not only can injury happen in the shower, but the shower can also cause the floor to get wet which can create an unsafe/dangerous environment outside of it. These are a few of the things that should be tended to in the bathroom:

  • Tub or shower should be equipped with a non-slip surface
  • If the shower has doors, they should be made of safety glass or plastic
  • Grab bars should be installed both by the toilet and the bathtub
  • Towel bars should be sturdy and installed correctly
  • Flooring should consist of textured tile, a matte finish or should be covered with low pile commercial carpet
  • The lighting should be even, sufficient, and glare-free. The light switch should be near the door
  • Door should open outward
  • A ventilation system and safe, supplemental heat source
  • Outlets should protect from electric shock
  • A bath or shower seat should be accessible

STAIRCASE SAFETY

Climbing or descending a staircase can prove to be extremely dangerous even for healthy, middle-aged adults. It’s not hard to understand why so many seniors suffer injuries as a result of an unsafe, shoddy staircase. The stairs should be a part of any home safety checklist for the elderly. Here are some precautions that can be taken to make sure your staircase is as safe as possible:

  • Stair construction: Stairs should always be evenly built. If they are not dimensionally uniform, it exponentially increases the odds of tripping and falling
  • Stairs should be clear: This sounds obvious, but people leave things on staircases all of the time including books, papers, or shoes
  • Staircase lighting: Every staircase in your house should have sufficient lighting throughout so that you can clearly see each step
  • Maintenance: If carpet or tread is worn, it can be very dangerous and cause a fall. Replace any worn tread or carpet on your staircase immediately
  • Placement: Sometimes people are unaware of the presence of a stair in poorly lit areas or in parts of the home where the patterns and colors run into each other
  • Handrails: Every staircase should have a functional, sturdy handrail. Circular rails are best as they are easier to grip completely compared to rectangular rails

KITCHEN SAFETY

When it comes to a household safety checklist, the kitchen may be one of the last rooms in your house that you think to address. However, many accidents can occur in the kitchen, so it is imperative to check this list to make sure you are taking the proper precautions:

  • Your kitchen should be equipped with a fire extinguisher that is less than ten years old and is verified to work
  • The area around the stove should be clean and free of clutter. Grease, towels, potholders, and curtains are all examples of things that could easily catch fire
  • Ventilation and exhaust in the kitchen are paramount. Without proper ventilation, carbon monoxide or indoor air pollutants may accumulate and make the air unsafe
  • Never leave cooking food unattended. Anything on a stove top should be supervised at all times
  • All electrical appliances and cords should be kept away from the sink or anywhere there is water. Cords should also be kept away from hot surfaces
  • All countertop appliances such as toasters, coffeemakers, etc., should be protected by ground-fault circuit interrupters
  • A sturdy step-stool with a handrail should be on hand for reaching up onto shelves or high cabinets to retrieve items

FIRE PREVENTION

Automatic shut-off alert devices and timers are great tools to help those that have memory issues but still enjoy cooking.

Kitchen towels, potholders, and loose clothing can catch fire if too close to the stove. These items must not fall against an open flame or oven coil.

A report from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) noted that people over the age of 65 have a 2.7 times greater risk of dying in a kitchen fire than the general population(19).

Seniors are advised to store an easy-to-operate fire extinguisher in their kitchen.

SENIOR-FRIENDLY KITCHEN APPLIANCES

Appliances equipped with safety monitors and alarms are a good investment.

The elderly or their family members should schedule a qualified electrician to check all wiring and outlets to ensure safety compliance.

Dirty kitchen ventilation systems, a common source of kitchen fires, should also be cleaned regularly.

A smoke detector that sounds an alert for both flames and smoke is ideal.

KITCHEN MODIFICATIONS FOR SAFETY AND EASE OF MOBILITY

Rearranging drawers, cabinets, pantries, and refrigerators can make it easier for seniors to reach for things they need.

The ideal position of a cabinet or shelf is between the elder’s waist and shoulder.

Storing frequently-used items on high shelves or in high cabinets should be avoided. Using a Lazy Susan is ideal if cabinet or shelf space is limited.

Kitchen chairs with arms allow older adults with back pain to sit or stand up more comfortably. Wheeled chairs should never be used in the kitchen.

Whenever possible, elders should ask for help retrieving things from high shelves instead of relying on step stools.

Seniors should use only water-absorbent, nonskid mats. Spills should be wiped clean right away to avoid slipping.

BEDROOM SAFETY

Yes, even bedroom safety precautions are important to take and need to be a part of any home safety checklist for seniors. Injuries and accidents can happen in any room of the house, and the bedroom is no different than any other. There are steps you can take to ensure that your bedroom is as safe as possible:

  • Make sure there is an easy to reach light that you can get to from your bed
  • The path from your bedroom to the nearest bathroom should have enough lighting so that you can see if you need to get up in the middle of the night
  • Cords are a tripping hazard; if there’s a phone in your bedroom that is not within reach from your bed, you should consider moving it closer
  • If you wear eyeglasses, make sure they are also well within reach in case you need to get up in the middle of the night for any reason
  • A lamp or flashlight should be kept within range of your bed so that if you lose power for any reason, you have access to light
  • Have a sturdy chair with arms in your bedroom so that you can sit to dress if need be
  • Candles, ash trays, hot plates, or any other potential fire sources should be kept far away from curtains, furniture, beds, and bedding

SAFE BEDROOM TIPS

  • Ensure a light switch is within easy arm’s reach of the bed. Use nightlights to light up the way from the bed to the bathroom.
  • Provide bright light to avoid stumbling over objects on the floor.
  • Avoid rearranging bedroom furniture, so those with limited vision do not hurt themselves when they bump into them at night.
  • Rearrange extension cords and electronics so the wires do not cross pathways.
  • Remove any clutter, so paths are wide, straight, and clear. Avoid using throw rugs to avoid slips and falls.
  • Position closet shelves so that they are only between waist and shoulder high to avoid excessive bending and reaching.
  • Ensure proper bed height. When sitting on the bed’s edge, the elder’s knees should make a 90° angle, with both feet flat on the floor.
  • Use enabling side rail or attach poles at the side of the bed to facilitate in-bed movement and safe bed ingress and egress.
  • Provide stable and sturdy chairs with armrests to help those with weak arms stand up safely.
  • Replace a round bedroom doorknob with a single-lever type. Seniors can easily push down lever handles to open the door.
  • Replace a sagging, soft mattress with a firm one that can provide more comfort and support.

LIVING ROOM/LIVING AREA SAFETY

Living rooms typically have televisions with cords, telephones, tables, chairs, and many other things in them that could potentially cause a resident to get hurt. You may also have a fireplace in your living room area which has safety concerns of its own. Here are a few of the things that should be a part of any elderly home safety checklist when it comes to the living room:

  • If you have a chimney and a fireplace, make sure it is evident before use. A clogged chimney can result in poisonous fumes and smoke entering the home
  • Check all rugs/carpet to make sure it is level with the ground. If either of these surfaces bunches up, they could cause you to trip and fall
  • Remove low coffee tables, foot rests or any other object that is low to the ground and blocking a clear path through the room
  • Do not run cords under a rug and keep all pathways clear of wires that could cause you to trip
  • Discard any furniture that feels loose or wobbly as it could create a safety hazard

BATHROOM SAFETY TIPS

A study was conducted by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) using national data collected from 2008(17).

Surveys revealed that more than 230,000 non-fatal, unintentional bathroom injuries were treated in US hospital emergency departments.

Data showed that bathrooms’ injury rates increased with age and were the highest for individuals older than 85 years(18).

Seniors can keep their bathroom safe by:

MAKING ITEMS ACCESSIBLE

Having towels, bathing essentials, and clothing ready make it easy for seniors to reach for them without having to stretch or bend, preventing slips or falls.

KEEPING THE BATHROOM FLOOR CLEAN AND CLUTTER-FREE

There should not be any objects lying around on the floor. Only nonskid bath mats should be used in the bathroom.

INSTALLING GRAB BARS OR HANDRAILS

Grab bars in and out of the tub or shower and next to toilets can help older adults steady themselves as they move in and out of the tub or on or off the toilet.

The bars should be placed at a height that allows an older adult to hold onto them without having to reach too far up or down.

INSTALLING A RAISED TOILET SEAT OR FRAME

It is a good idea to invest in a raised toilet seat with handlebars. Toilets should be between 17 and 19 inches in height, making it easy for seniors to sit and stand on their own.

USING A TRANSFER BENCH

Getting in and out of the tub can be a challenge to the elderly, who may not be able to lift their leg high enough to make it over the top of the tub.

A transfer bench eliminates the problem of stepping in and out of the tub. Older people can safely enter and exit the tub while remaining seated.

USING A SHOWER CHAIR

Seniors who have difficulty balancing or standing for long periods can benefit from a shower chair, which can provide stability, especially to seniors bathing on their own.

A shower chair with a handheld shower-head is a good investment to help make bathing safe and convenient for older adults.

USING NON-SLIP MATS

One can prevent slips on wet surfaces by placing non-slip mats on the floor of the shower or tub.

Also, using a non-slip mat on the floor when stepping outside of the tub or shower can help.

TESTING WATER TEMPERATURE

Checking the water temperature before bathing or taking a shower is a must. This can be done using a bath thermometer or feeling the temperature with an elbow.

KEEPING ELECTRICAL DEVICES AND OUTLETS AWAY FROM WATER

Electrical equipment and appliances, like water heaters, must be kept in top working condition.

Damaged power cords and outlets should be replaced immediately.

KEEPING EMERGENCY NUMBERS CLOSE

Basic cell phone models with large keypad numbers and display windows are ideal for the elderly.

Seniors often find the excessive options in newer cell phones confusing, costly, and completely unnecessary.

However, smartphones can also be handy for seniors.

Smartphones allow users to create a medical ID or “in case of emergency” (ICE) contact with their health information and emergency contacts.

Seniors can make an ICE number accessible by making it their lock screen background.

Elderly persons and their family members and caregivers can print a list of important numbers and make them visible by the seniors’ home phones.

The list will be useful to the elderly who have trouble remembering things, particularly those dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

The numbers should be posted in large fonts and placed near every phone in every room in the house and on the back of older people’s cell phones.

Having an extra copy in the senior’s car is also helpful.

Important List of Numbers should Include:

ALWAYS INCLUDE 911

It is essential this list include the emergency number:

  • 911

It is imperative to always dial 911 during life-threatening situations, such as crimes in progress, accidents, fire, and smoke detectors or carbon monoxide alarms sounding.

IMMEDIATE FAMILY MEMBERS AND FRIENDS

One great tip is to use a contact name with “my husband,” “my son,” or “granddaughter.” This way, if the senior is in an emergency and some folks find their phone, they know who they are calling.

NEXT-DOOR NEIGHBORS AND FRIENDS

Knowing that the seniors have neighbors who can give them immediate support is reassuring for family members living or working far away.

Older adults and their families can meet the neighbors and exchange numbers to contact each other when an emergency happens.

PROFESSIONAL CAREGIVING SERVICE OR PRIMARY HOSPITAL

It would help to note a few other hospitals near the seniors’ residence. It is practical to list these options according to their distance from the house.

POISON CONTROL

The American Association of Poison Control Centers’ helpline can be reached at 1-800-222-1222(9).

To add poison control as a contact in the senior’s phone, they can text POISON to 7979797.

Seniors who have pets at home should also include ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)’s number.

One can contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 for emergencies involving pets(10).

FALL PREVENTION TIPS

Research says about 34% of adults age 65 and over fall at least once a year, with almost 50% of them experiencing multiple falls(20).

To avoid tripping hazards, all rooms in the house should be clutter-free and brightly lit.

Seniors are also encouraged to always wear their glasses (or keep them handy) and wear shoes with nonskid soles.

The elderly can avoid slips and falls with these tips.

FALL SAFETY TIPS

  • Stairways should be at least 32” across to allow for easy access.
  • A more open environment makes it easy to access entryways and hallways, especially for seniors using the wheelchair or walker.
  • Loose handrails must be fixed or replaced with new ones. The CDC suggests putting handrails on both sides of the stairs and making them as long as the stairs(21).
  • Throw rugs and mats that do not have rubberized backing should be removed as they do not grip the floor.
  • Having electrical cords that stretch across the floor must be avoided.
  • All tile gaps and uneven floor planks should be fixed right away. One should make sure that no nails are protruding.
  • Any clutter on the floor should be cleaned or put away immediately. There should always be a designated place for everything.

Functional limitations that restrict one’s mobility and ability to engage in everyday activities can increase fall risks.

Best practices for fall risk assessment include(22):

  • The Hendrich II Fall Risk Model(23), which includes the Get Up and Go test
  • The Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living(24), also called the Katz ADL
  • The Housing Enabler(25), used in the assessment of housing accessibility

Patient-specific interventions should be done after completing a home safety evaluation to help older adults stay safe and address risk factors.

A medical alert system that notifies caregivers or family members of a fall can also be helpful.

Most devices on the market automatically alert medical responders if a person falls, even if the alert button is not pushed.

LIGHTING TIPS

Falling incidences among older people have been linked to problems with step or stair negotiation(26).

Locating the first step edge position can be challenging for older adults when lighting levels are particularly low(27).

Lighting that uses dimmer light switches allows senior residents to have the proper lighting for all situations.

For example, nightlights that regulate the level of lighting can reduce eye strain and ensure a good night’s sleep in the bedroom.

A combination of decorative and recessed lights can fully light up the front entrance or front door and deter unwanted visitors.

PREVENTING POISONING (MEDICINE, FOOD, AND ACCIDENTAL POISONING)

POISONING PREVENTION TIPS

To avoid poisoning risks, seniors or their family members should:

  • Keep food and medicines in their original containers as much as possible to avoid mix-ups and contamination.
  • Seniors should take their medications in a well-lit room where they can read the labels and ensure that medications are taken as directed
  • Set the refrigerator to 40° F or below(28). This setting keeps perishables, like meats and dairy, from going bad.
  • Use a permanent marker to write the purchase date on food items that do not have an expiration date on the label.
  • Never heat the home with a stove, oven, or grill because these can give off carbon monoxide. Install carbon monoxide detectors in the house.
  • Avoid mixing cleaning products, like bleach or ammonia. They can create deadly gases when mixed.

FINANCIAL SAFETY: PROTECTION AGAINST ABUSE, SCAMS OR CRIME

The Consumer Law Center, Inc. (CLC) says Americans lose approximately $40 billion per year to the fraudulent sale of goods and services over the telephone(29).

The elderly are frequent targets of telemarketing frauds and sweepstakes scams(30).

FINANCIAL SAFETY TIPS

To keep themselves safe, seniors are advised to:

  • Avoid sharing personal information, such as Social Security number, credit card details, bank information, or account passwords, with strangers.
  • Ask loved ones for help in verifying offers and prizes, and do not respond until all information has been reviewed thoroughly.
  • Refrain from signing contracts, making donations, or buying expensive items without first discussing the details with a family member or trusted friend.
  • Shred all receipts or documents containing personal and financial information. Never throw them in the trash.
  • Avoid keeping large amounts of valuables or cash at home. They can get destroyed, misplaced, or stolen.

CAR SAFETY

VEHICLE SAFETY TIPS

To keep seniors safe when driving or inside a vehicle, loved ones should remind them to:

  • Ensure that doors are locked and windows rolled up while driving and when leaving the vehicle.
  • Never leave car keys inside the vehicle. Avoid having a spare key in the car.
  • Park as close as possible to where they are going. When returning to the car, they should look around while approaching the vehicle.

CONCLUSION

Aging in place gives senior citizens and elderly homeowners the freedom that is quite different from what they may experience in a senior facility.

Home care for seniors living with family members or caregivers or being visited regularly by professional home care service providers beats any accommodation in nursing homes.

Family members living with their aging parents can use the lists and safety tips discussed in this article when making a home safety assessment.

These home safety tips can help seniors, particularly those with chronic pain, lead dignified and independent lives within the familiarity of their home.

More importantly, the best safety tip for seniors aging in place is to encourage family members and loved ones to check in with them frequently.

Neighbors and professional caregivers can also help to make sure they are always safe.

Home safety is something all seniors should take very seriously. As we age, we become a little less physically capable as we once were and can become more vulnerable to injuries within our home. Accidents can occur anywhere within the confines of our residency, so a home safety checklist for seniors is highly recommended.

Have you come across any unique safety hazards at home that you’d like to share or discuss? Let us know below in the comments section!

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