Prevent falls with simple home modifications
Did you know that many useful safety updates take less than one day to complete?
These quick fixes can prevent falls and other injuries.
Avoiding these accidents helps seniors live longer and more independently.
13 quick fixes in just one day!
Our list of 13 quick-fix tasks could be done in one day. We’ve included useful tips, product suggestions, and how-to’s.
But you could also focus on the list items that are the biggest threats to your older adult’s safety and independence.
If possible, assign some tasks to members of your family or caregiving team – together you’ll get more done, more quickly.
Your senior may insist that they will take care of these things themselves, but let’s be honest, f they haven’t fixed them already, they probably never will.
Besides, once all the fixes are done, they’ll probably be relieved to have a safer living space.
13 safety solutions for house and kitchen
| Safety Problem | Safe Solutions | |
| 1 | Is the house address clearly visible from the street? | Install large house numbers in metal or stickers so they can be seen from the street. Here’s an example of a large, reflective house number sticker. Or, spray paint large house numbers on the street curb in 15 minutes, like this. |
| 2 | Are emergency contact numbers posted by all telephones and on the refrigerator? | Post a list of important contact numbers in handy locations. Make sure they’re clear and easy-to-read. Include: |
| 3 | Are all rugs and doormats skid-proof and well secured? | Rugs and doormats are a tripping hazard. Older adults can easily trip on something that’s just 1/8 inch thick. Non-slip backs don’t always prevent the corners from flipping up. If your older adult is starting to shuffle their feet, consider removing all rugs. |
| 4 | Are all electric cords secure and away from walking areas? | Move any cords that are in areas used for walking. It’s best to attach cords along the base of walls so they’re out of the way. Get longer cords if needed. A staple gun can help to secure them. |
| 5 | Are all hallways, doorways, stairways, and landings clear of obstructions? | Remove clutter or decorations from these areas to reduce the chances of tripping, stumbling, or falling. |
| 6 | Is the water heater set at a temperature that won’t scald? | Lower the water heater temperature. Do this by turning the temperature setting dial down on the water heater itself |
| 7 | Are smoke detectors installed in every room? Are there any carbon monoxide detectors? | These are easily installed with a screwdriver. Get safety tips and information here. Some suggestions:
Pro Tip: Arrange for a friend or neighbor to help out in case the smoke detector has a false alarm or needs new batteries. Properly mounted alarms will be too high for seniors to safely reset on their own. |
| 8 | Are working flashlights readily accessible? | Buy strong, lightweight, easy-to-operate flashlights and place them in easy-access locations in frequently used rooms. A few suggestions:
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| 9 | Is a first-aid kit easily accessible? | Put band-aids, antibacterial cream, and other basic first-aid items in a convenient location. |
| 10 | In the kitchen, are often-used items within easy reach? | Move all necessary items lower or higher to prevent the need for step stools or bending over too far. Expert Tip: This is also a great chance to get rid of clutter! |
| 11 | In the kitchen, is there a safe step stool with a handrail? (This assumes your older adult can still safely use it.) | A couple of options: |
| Are jars and canned foods easy to open? | This is a great jar opener that opens jars and cans with the touch of a button. | |
| 13 | Does the microwave work properly? | If not, buy a new counter-top microwave. Here are some options from Home Depot. |
Next Step Quick and easy one-day fixes for common bathroom and bedroom hazards
Recommended for you:
— Q & A: How Do I Help My Aging Parents Live Safely?
— VIDEO: Get Up From a Fall MacGyver Style!
— Bathroom Safety for Older Adults: Grab Bars and More!
By DailyCaring Editorial Team
Image: Right at Home
This article wasn’t sponsored, but does contain affiliate links. We never link to products or services for the sole purpose of making a commission. Recommendations are based on our honest opinions. For more information, see How We Make Money.
5 Steps to Take When Your Ageing Parent Needs Living Assistance - Lantern West Health
[…] so each room is bright and making switches easily accessible. Further suggestions can be found here in this home safety for seniors […]
Michelle Spencer
Michelle of N.C. My problems is I am living in a condo that over 20 years old. I am having problems with my kitchen lights and now I am having problem with my stove . I need help checking my sink. I also am having problem with hot water heater. Carpet is buckling up safely hazard. I am a 69 year senior with a lot of medical bills and heart problem.
DailyCaring
I’m so sorry about your situation. There are organizations that can provide affordable home repair help. More info here — http://dailycaring.com/7-sources-of-home-repair-assistance-for-seniors/
You may also want to check with your local Area Agency on Aging to see if they can connect you with programs that may be able to provide additional help. More info here — http://dailycaring.com/local-community-resources-for-seniors-and-caregivers-area-agency-on-aging/
Barbaanadara
My friend and his wife need some electrical devices outside and inside their home. Where can they get help for this situation. Please. Is there an y senior organization that can help them especially outside the house/
DailyCaring
There are many organizations that offer help with home repairs, we’ve got contact information for 7 of these in the article 7 Sources of Home Repair Assistance for Seniors — http://dailycaring.com/7-sources-of-home-repair-assistance-for-seniors/
You could also contact your local Area Agency on Aging to see if they can connect you with free or low-cost home repair resources in the area. Here’s info on how to find them — http://dailycaring.com/local-community-resources-for-seniors-and-caregivers-area-agency-on-aging/
I hope your friend is able to find help to get these repairs done.
Ora McDonald hp
I don’t have running water in my kitchen and none of my electrical plugs works in the kitchen using electric cords for stove, ice box, and microwave.
DailyCaring
I’m so sorry you’re in this situation. You may want to see if you can get financial help for repairs to your kitchen. We share 7 options here — http://dailycaring.com/7-sources-of-home-repair-assistance-for-seniors/
Ellen Charlebois
I have an infestation of fleas, and no help, I have severe allergies and asthma I need emergency help.
DailyCaring
I am so sorry Ellen! That sounds like a really tough situation. I’d suggest contacting your county’s Area Agency on Aging to find out about local resources that could help. Here’s more info about those organizations — http://dailycaring.com/local-community-resources-for-seniors-and-caregivers-area-agency-on-aging/