Are you interested in helping a senior live in their home for as long as possible? One of the best ways to do that is to reduce the risk of falls by improving safety and removing potential hazards.
Indeed, the Government of Canada reports 50 percent of falls that lead to hospitalization among seniors happen at home. And, when seniors can’t properly recover from a fall, they may lose their independence
But, keeping the older generation safe at home goes beyond basic fire safety with smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors; it’s also about safety and accessibility; as well as interior designs that enhance mobility and reduce falls.
We launched our "Home Safety for Seniors Guide" to help. It features safety-first décor advice; information on the latest senior tech, monitoring systems and security devices; as well as guidelines to create safe spaces for seniors with low vision, hearing impairment, and dementia.
Be proactive, and use this room-by-room checklist — based on advice from the Public Health Agency of Canada and The Canada Safety Council, among others — to make a space more safe and accessible.
Many of the tips below apply to an entire home: removing area rugs is a good idea in all rooms, not just hallways, for instance. You’ll find many helpful products in your local seniors’ safety or medical supply store. It's important to consult your healthcare team for additional design and safety recommendations based on individual needs, but the list below will get you started.
Improve outdoor safety
- install outdoor lights for entrances and pathways
- install railings and textured surfaces on outdoor stairs, pathways, and decks to prevent falls
- repair uneven steps and walkways and keep them clear of leaves, snow, and clutter
- salt and remove icy patches on your porch, steps, and walkways
- download our Home Safety for Seniors Guide for information about indoor and outdoor home-security systems designed with seniors in mind
Boost safety in entrances, hallways, and stairwells
- install additional lights for improved visibility and switches at the bottom and top of stairs
- install and test smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors on each floor, and check that they're still working every six months
- choose non-glare, slip-resistant flooring throughout the house
- remove area rugs or throw rugs throughout
- add a chair or bench by the front door to sit on for putting on or taking off shoes
- fix broken stairway steps and railings and replace torn carpets with non-slip rubber treads
- remove items on the floor and unnecessary furniture to clear a path for walking and mobility devices
Update living rooms and other common spaces for safety
- keep a list of emergency phone numbers in all rooms and on each floor
- coil or tape down electrical cords, cables, and wires throughout the house
- keep space heaters away from flammable materials and substances
- replace outdated extension cords with new ones or indoor power bars with certification marks, such as CSA, cUL, or cETL (to prevent overloading electrical outlets)
- replace candles with battery-operated candles or electric lights
- put stickers or bright tape on glass doors leading to the backyard or balcony
Enhance kitchen safety
- keep a first-aid kit in the kitchen or bathroom
- install a fire extinguisher on a wall away from the stove, and check it monthly to ensure it’s working
- store staple foods, canned goods as well as pots and pans between knee and shoulder height
- store heavy items in lower cupboards and light items in higher cupboards
- invest in a quality stepping stool with a safety rail
- keep oven mitts within reach of the stove — these are safer than potholders
Improve safety in bathrooms
- plug in a night light for evening bathroom trips
- set the temperature of your water heater to 49°C (120°F), and install an anti-scald mixing valve
- test the water temperature with your elbow before getting into the bathtub or shower
- install properly placed and well-anchored grab bars to the shower or bathtub wall and non-slip strips or stickers to the floor
- buy a bath seat for the shower if standing/balancing is a challenge
- ensure bathmats close to the shower or tub have a rubberized backing or are secured in place
- buy a raised toilet seat and properly install a well-anchored grab bar by the toilet
Increase bedroom safety
- install and test smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors outside of bedrooms and sleeping areas (or inside if you keep bedroom doors closed while sleeping)
- keep a phone and list of emergency contacts beside the bed
- install light switches near the entrance of bedrooms (by the bed, if possible)
- place lamps and assistive devices, such as walkers, close to the bed so they’re easy to reach
- plug in a night light before you go to bed, or use one that turns on in low light
- clear obstacles or tripping hazards between the bed and bathroom
- consider buying a bed with short bed rails and a safe height that makes getting in and out easy
Update laundry rooms, garages, or basement workrooms for safety
- install additional lights for increased visibility
- remove leftover lint in clothes dryers and exhaust pipes
- place heavy items on lower shelves, and use a stable stepping stool with a safety rail, if required, to reach things
- safely store tools, equipment, chemicals, and flammable materials (propane tanks should be stored outside, for example, not in a garage or basement)
Safety by design
If senior-proofing your home seems daunting, and you’re already thinking about your future social and care needs, consider moving into an Independent Living or Assisted Living suite at Amica.
Our beautiful residences are purpose-built with safety in mind. From wide hallways to excellent lighting to supportive bathrooms, Amica residences are thoughtfully designed for your current and future care and mobility needs. Plus, the sooner you arrive, the sooner you can take advantage of engaging activities, strengthening exercise classes, and fun events that will boost your emotional and physical well-being.
Book a virtual or in-person tour to find out what it’s like to enjoy living on your terms in an elegant Amica residence with outstanding dining, amenities, activities, senior care, and more.