Senior Safety - Quick Fixes for Yard, Entryway, and Living Room Hazards

Did you know that falls are the leading cause of injury deaths for people 65 years of age and older, per The National Safety Council? Do you worry that your parents have physical or judgment deficits which impact their safety? Do they open the front door for anyone who rings the doorbell? In this article, I will show you how to identify and reduce safety hazards in the living room, yard and entryways of an elderly persons home.

1) Yard and entryways into home:

• Are walkways level and clear of debris and plant overgrowth?
• Is there enough light to see obstacles? A simple motion sensor light makes it easier to insert the key into the lock.
• You may want to install a railing on both sides if there are stairs up to the door.
• Post a No Soliciting sign outside the front door to minimize trips to the door and to lessen the risk of intruders.
• External doors and windows: Be sure that all windows can lock when fully closed and when partially opened. Have deadbolt locks on all external doors and install wide-angle peep-holes. This is a good opportunity for the "avoid opening the door to strangers", "always lock the doors", and "don't give strangers any personal information on the phone" discussions with your elderly loved ones.

2) Living Room Safety:

• Clutter: This may sound like a no-brainer, but it is often overlooked. Clear away unwanted items, especially from all pathways in the home. Besides reducing tripping hazards, this will help lessen fire risks.
• Floors and floor coverings: Don't use cleaning products and floor waxes that leave the surface slippery. Check for loose carpet and tighten it to avoid tripping. Loose rugs should be attached to the floor with double-sided tape. Be sure to move electrical and phone cords out of all pathways. If a walker or cane is used, it is important to remove all throw rugs.
• Lighting: Check all light bulbs to be sure they are working. Light switches need to be within easy reach. There should not be any areas inside the home that can not be illuminated. Use night lights in all pathways, especially from bedroom. Light timers work well for an elderly person who keeps a fairly regular schedule; program to automatically turn off an hour after bedtime, so that they leave the room while still lighted.
• Furniture: All furniture should be sturdy and in good repair. Elderly people tend to grab on to furniture as they walk by; not recommended, but frequently done, so the sturdier the better. Chairs with arms and higher seats are easier and safer to access.
• Emergency plan. Be sure there is a working smoke detector and fire extinguisher on each level of the home. Attach an easy-to-read list of emergency phone numbers near every phone and review emergency procedures with your elderly family members. Since many seniors spend lots of time in the living room, installing a phone in this room is a great idea. You may want to consider a mobile safety alarm which is worn on the wrist or as a pendant, to automatically summon help with the push of a button.

Most elderly people cherish their independence and will do just about anything to keep it. Because many older adults have mild to moderate sensory deficits, balance issues, memory loss or other cognitive deficits, it is important to evaluate their safety at home. Sometimes a simple device or two in the home is all that is needed to keep them safe and independent. If you still are not sure whether your senior loved ones are safe at home, you may want to obtain a safety evaluation performed by a Physical or Occupational Therapist specializing in geriatric care. They are experts in determining safety and judgment while performing activities of daily living and also can recommend appropriate assistive devices and environmental modifications.