How to Tell If Your Home Is Safe for Aging in Place

As seniors age, their homes can either be a place of comfort or a source of potential hazards. Without the proper modifications, everyday tasks like walking up stairs, using the bathroom, or even getting out of bed can become dangerous. For families who want to ensure their loved ones are safe while aging in place, a home safety assessment is an essential first step.

At AGEINPLACE ALLIES, we believe that every senior should feel safe and comfortable in their own home. Here’s how you can assess whether a home is equipped to support aging in place, and what steps you can take to make it safer.

1. Check for Fall Hazards

Falls are one of the leading causes of injury for seniors, and they often happen in areas you might not expect. Start by assessing the home for common tripping or slipping hazards.

Inspect Flooring: Are there loose rugs, slippery floors, or uneven surfaces? Consider replacing slippery flooring with non-slip materials or securing loose rugs with anti-slip mats.
Clear Pathways: Make sure hallways and high-traffic areas are free of clutter, cords, and furniture that could cause trips or falls.
Assess Stair Safety: Are the stairs well-lit and sturdy? Consider installing handrails on both sides of the staircase or adding a stairlift for homes with multiple levels.

2. Evaluate Bathroom Safety

Bathrooms are one of the most dangerous areas in a home for seniors due to slippery surfaces and tight spaces. It’s essential to ensure this space is as safe as possible.

Add Grab Bars: Installing grab bars near the toilet, in the shower, and along the walls can provide extra support when seniors are moving around.
Consider a Walk-In Shower: Replacing a traditional bathtub with a walk-in shower eliminates the need to step over a high tub edge, which can lead to dangerous slips.
Use Non-Slip Mats: Place non-slip mats both inside and outside of the shower or tub to provide extra traction on wet floors.

3. Assess Mobility and Accessibility

As mobility becomes more limited, seniors may have difficulty navigating tight spaces or uneven surfaces. A home must be easy to move through, whether a senior uses a cane, walker, or wheelchair.

Widen Doorways: If the senior uses a walker or wheelchair, doorways may need to be widened to ensure they can move through the home freely.
Install Ramps: If there are steps at the entryways of the home, installing a ramp can provide easy access and reduce the risk of falls.
Rearrange Furniture: Ensure there is enough space between furniture to allow for easy movement, especially if a mobility aid is in use.

4. Ensure Proper Lighting

Good lighting is crucial for preventing accidents, particularly in darker areas of the home like stairways, hallways, and entry points.

Upgrade to LED Lights: Consider switching to bright, energy-efficient LED lights to ensure better visibility throughout the home.
Add Nightlights: Placing nightlights in bedrooms, bathrooms, and hallways can help seniors navigate safely during nighttime hours.
Install Motion-Sensor Lights: For exterior entry points or stairways, motion-sensor lights can provide immediate lighting when needed.

5. Review Emergency Preparedness

Every home should have measures in place for emergencies, especially for seniors who may live alone or have mobility issues.

Install a Medical Alert System: This ensures seniors can call for help immediately in case of a fall or medical emergency.
Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Make sure all detectors are functioning properly and are loud enough to be heard throughout the home.
Create an Emergency Contact List: Keep a list of emergency numbers in a visible spot, like on the fridge or near the phone, to ensure that seniors can easily access help if needed.

We Offer a Free Home Assessment

Not sure if your home is safe enough for aging in place? At AGEINPLACE ALLIES, we offer free home safety assessments to help identify areas that need improvement. Our team of experts can recommend modifications that will make your home safer, more comfortable, and better suited to your needs as you age.