For many older Americans, remaining at home as long as possible is the gold standard for how they want to live. While it’s not always possible for older adults to stay at home safely, for others, aging in place is entirely possible but may require a few changes to the home to keep them safer longer.
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There are several safety concerns seniors must address if they want to remain in their homes as they age, and the biggest among them are:
A risk of falls is one of the primary safety concerns for seniors. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries among adults aged 65 years and older. Falls can happen for any number of reasons, and “safety hazards are often hidden in basic household items such as furniture, rugs or pets,” says Jen Brandon, a physical therapist and rehab manager with the Hoag Orthopedic Institute in Irvine, California. “Everyday activities like answering the phone or walking to the bathroom have an increased fall risk,” especially when you’re rushing.
In addition to physical objects causing a risk of tripping and falling, “many medications that seniors take have side effects and can make one dizzy when first getting out of bed in the morning,” Brandon says. Plus, changes in vision, balance and posture can also make a senior less steady on their feet.
“ Food and nutrition are two of the most basic and important safety concerns,” says Courtney Petersen, senior brand manager with A Place for Mom, a senior referral service based in Seattle. “Depending on physical and cognitive issues, it can be challenging for some seniors to adequately cook for themselves. Operating kitchen appliances is often a barrier to seniors maintaining a healthy diet.”
As seniors lose dexterity and mobility or cognitive function, formerly easy tasks like turning on the stove, opening jars and cans or operating a microwave can become more challenging – as can getting to a grocery store. Signs of this include a refrigerator or cabinets full of outdated or spoiled food and significant weight loss.
Tasks associated with maintaining the home itself can also become challenging as age advances. “Things like paying bills on time, keeping appointments and managing medications can become overwhelming if the senior is experiencing cognitive problems.” If a senior misses a dose of medication or mixes up prescriptions, the effects of those changes in medication levels can compound feelings of confusion, Petersen says.
“Decreasing mobility can also create a different set of safety concerns,” Petersen says. “The inability to leave the house often leads to social isolation, as well as difficulty in doing routine tasks like grocery shopping and home maintenance.” In addition, “if a senior is not able to move around their house with minimal effort, daily tasks like cleaning become onerous for them. This lack of mobility leads to piles of laundry and other household clutter that become their own safety issues,” such as trip or fire hazards.
Despite these concerns, Brandon says that often, it only takes a few “simple changes to make the home a safe environment.” Use these tips to help make aging in place a little safer: