What Safety Issues Exist for Seniors Living Alone?

When seniors live alone, they must have a safe and secure environment. Staying independent means that seniors need to be able to address safety issues, either on their own or with the help of senior home care services and family caregivers.

Entrances and Exits

Entrances and exits are a huge problem for seniors because they can be common spots for falls and other injuries. Lighting issues need to be addressed and walkways need to be clear of tripping hazards. It’s also important to make sure that there are working locks on doors and windows. Home care providers can keep track of these issues and help seniors address them.

Stairs and Flooring

Inside the home, flooring and stairs can cause similar issues as entrances and exits can. Hallways and stairs need to be free of clutter and tripping hazards. They should also have sturdy handrails so seniors can grab them whenever necessary. Carpets, rugs, and other flooring types need to be secure and without tripping hazards of their own.

Kitchens

In kitchens, seniors may find that counters and cooking surfaces might not be at the right height any longer. This is especially true if they’ve started to shrink or if they need to sit to work in the kitchen. Appliances need to have easy access to controls that are also easy to read. Any dangerous items, like cleaning supplies and sharp items, might need to be secured as well.

Bathrooms

Bathrooms are a huge concern for many seniors, particularly if they’re experiencing more trouble with mobility. Adding grab bars and using assistive tools like shower benches can make it safer to use the bathroom properly. Seniors may need additional help from personal care at home if they’re having significant trouble keeping up with hygiene tasks.

Bedrooms

Seniors need to be both comfortable and safe in their bedrooms in particular. The bed should be at a safe height to get in and out easily. Using bed rails might be a good idea overnight, especially for seniors with mobility issues. A nightlight can help aging adults get to the bathroom safely overnight and it might be a good idea to make sure there is a phone or emergency call button near the bed.

Lighting

Lighting throughout the house is another safety concern. Bright, glare-free lighting helps seniors to see easily without tripping over objects or shadows. Easy-access light switches are important, but it can also be a good idea to put motion-sensing light fixtures in each room. Nightlights are also helpful everywhere in the house, not just in bedrooms and bathrooms.

Emergencies

Carbon monoxide detectors, smoke detectors, and other safety tools are crucial. There should be a fire extinguisher in the kitchen, just in case. It’s also a good idea to come up with an emergency plan for all sorts of situations so that seniors know exactly what they need to do in a given situation. These plans are also incredibly helpful for senior home care providers.

Senior home care services can offer companionship to aging adults, but they also work hard to ensure that seniors are as safe as possible at home. Home care providers can assist with home safety assessments, fall prevention, and daily safety as well.

Reference
https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/features/keeping-seniors-safe-in-their-own-homes

If you or an aging loved one is considering senior home care in Chandler, AZ, please call the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Scottsdale at (480) 284-7360. We are here to help!