As your parents and loved ones age, their homes should remain a place of comfort and security. However, many houses aren’t designed with aging in place in mind. To help ensure your parent’s home is safe and accessible, use this checklist to identify potential hazards and necessary improvements.

General Home Safety

Making a home aging-friendly doesn’t mean sacrificing style or comfort. Small adjustments can make a big difference in preventing falls and enhancing independence. Start by assessing these key areas to create a safer living space.

  • Adequate Lighting: Ensure hallways, staircases, and entrances are well-lit to prevent falls.
  • Clear Pathways: Remove clutter, loose rugs, and unnecessary furniture that could cause tripping.
  • Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Check that alarms are installed, and batteries are replaced regularly.
  • Easy-to-Use Door Handles and Light Switches: Lever-style handles, and rocker light switches are easier for arthritic hands.

Entryways and Stairs

Entryways and staircases can pose significant risks for seniors with mobility challenges. Ensuring these areas are safe and accessible can prevent falls and make entering and exiting the home much easier.

  • Secure Handrails: Ensure staircases have sturdy handrails on both sides.
  • Non-Slip Flooring: Use non-slip mats or add slip-resistant coatings to stairs and entryways.
  • Ramp Installation: If stairs are a challenge, consider adding a wheelchair ramp or stairlift.
  • Well-Lit Entrances: Motion-sensor lighting can improve visibility at night.

Bathroom Safety

The bathroom is one of the most hazardous areas in the home for seniors due to slippery surfaces and limited support. Creating a safe and accessible bathroom helps seniors maintain their independence and confidence in daily routines.

  • Grab Bars: Install grab bars near the toilet, shower, and bathtub.
  • Non-Slip Mats: Place non-slip mats inside and outside the bathtub or shower.
  • Walk-In Shower or Tub: A step-free entry makes bathing safer and easier.
  • Raised Toilet Seat: Helps reduce the strain of sitting and standing.

Kitchen Safety

The kitchen can present several safety challenges for seniors. A well-designed kitchen allows seniors to continue cooking safely and independently.

  • Easy-to-Reach Storage: Keep everyday items on lower shelves to prevent the need for step stools.
  • Automatic Shutoff Appliances: Consider installing stoves and ovens that turn off automatically.
  • Non-Slip Flooring: Ensure floors are slip-resistant to prevent accidents.
  • Accessible Sink and Countertops: If using a wheelchair or walker, lower counters may be necessary.

Bedroom Safety

A safe and comfortable bedroom is essential for a good night’s rest and ease of movement. Small adjustments can provide peace of mind and greater independence for seniors.

  • Bed Height: Ensure the bed is at a height that allows for easy access.
  • Nightlights: Place nightlights along the path to the bathroom.
  • Emergency Call Device: Have a phone or medical alert system within easy reach.

Living Room and Common Areas

The living room and common areas are some of the most frequently used areas within the home. Here’s more on how you can make sure they are safe so that your parents and loved ones can more easily age in place.

  • Comfortable and Supportive Seating: Chairs with armrests make it easier to stand up.
  • Secure Rugs: Use double-sided tape or remove rugs that may cause tripping.
  • Emergency Exit Plan: Make sure there is a clear and accessible way to exit the home in case of emergency.

Technology and Emergency Preparedness

Some simple enhancements to technology in the home can help keep everyone safe.

  • Medical Alert System: Wearable devices or home-based emergency call buttons provide peace of mind.
  • Smart Home Features: Voice-activated lights, thermostats, and security systems can enhance safety.
  • Updated Contact List: Keep a list of emergency contacts near every phone.

Making the Whole Home Safer

Aging in place is possible with the right adjustments. Regularly assess your parent’s home for safety risks and make necessary modifications to ensure they can continue living independently with confidence.

Need help making their home more accessible? Consider professional installation of stairlifts, wheelchair ramps, and other mobility solutions to create a safer living environment.